President-elect Donald Trump returned to the world's most famous arena Saturday night as the nation's “champion” — a heavyweight-style walk-in for UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden. and received a huge ovation.
The former and future president wowed a sold-out MMA crowd when he appeared on Kid Rock's “American Badass,” accompanied by a large celebrity entourage.
Trump was flanked by billionaire Elon Musk, UFC CEO Dana White, Donald Trump Jr., Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, and newly appointed HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. , conservative commentator Dan Bongino, Department of National Intelligence candidate Tulsi Gabbard, and the U.S. State Department. Government efficiency leader Vivek Ramaswami and Kid Rock himself.
President Trump was also seen greeting rapper and pop star Jelly Roll at ringside.
A video tribute to Trump was played on the Garden Jumbotron. The campaign-style video features a flurry of fist-pumping moments and clips of Trump after he survived his first assassination attempt in October.
Minutes after the president-elect entered, the crowd silently chanted “America!” united states of america! “
Upon entering the world's most famous arena, Don made his way to the front of UFC host and podcaster Joe Rogan, shook his hand and chatted with the newly minted booster for nearly a minute.
“If people at home could hear this room right now, it's so loud!” Joe Rogan told viewers of the battle broadcast as President Trump entered. “It’s always loud when he comes in, but now he won.” [the election]now he's president again, and lo and behold! ”
Mr. Rogan interviewed Mr. Trump in the days leading up to the election and endorsed him on his podcast of the same name.
Credit: Alex Mead, New York Post
The Secret Service was seen preparing security for his arrival, and several fans were seen wearing red “Make America Great Again” hats.
Trump is a close friend of UFC CEO Dana White.
White gave enthusiastic speech On election night, President-elect Trump's victory celebration was held. The fight organizer also spoke at the Republican National Convention and has been a vocal supporter of the president-elect.
Leading card fighter Jon Jones spoke highly of the possibility of fighting Stipe Miocic in front of President-elect Trump media event He promoted a fight with Stipe Miocic.
“Being here at Madison Square Garden is like the fighting capital of the world, and it's probably a great honor for the president to be there,” Jones, 37, told reporters. .
Miocic, 42, was also excited when he learned President Trump would be appearing.
The heavyweight speculated that it would be “kind of cool” if Trump honored him with the championship belt after the fight. In an interview with TMZ.
Trump has recently become a regular at MSG, hosting a massive MAGA rally at the Garden last month that drew more than 20,000 people.
