Donald Trump, together with a number of of his controversial cupboard picks, made a shock look at UFC 309 at Madison Sq. Backyard on Saturday evening.
Whereas attending fights within the octagon is nothing new for Trump, having gone to a number of up to now, Saturday’s go to marked his first look since turning into president-elect.
Simply earlier than 10 p.m. ET, Trump walked out into the New York Metropolis area, alongside UFC CEO Dana White, who has been a detailed ally to the president-elect all through his 2024 election marketing campaign, which finally noticed him defeat Kamala Harris earlier this month.
Following behind had been Elon Musk, U.S. Home Speaker Mike Johnson, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., his son Donald Trump Jr. and singer Child Rock.
Earlier this week, Trump named Kennedy as his decide to run the Division of Well being and Human Companies. Musk, together with Vivek Ramaswamy, was additionally introduced to steer Trump’s newly-created Division of Authorities Effectivity.
After strolling out, Trump instantly went over to Joe Rogan, host of The Joe Rogan Expertise podcast who has additionally been an outspoken supporter of the previous president, and gave him a giant hug. Rogan additionally does commentary for UFC. And Trump was additionally a visitor on his podcast final month.
A short while later, what can solely be described as a Trump hype reel performed on the Jumbotron for all of the spectators to observe. After, they performed the tune “Y.M.C.A.,” which Trump could possibly be seen dancing to earlier than he lastly sat down subsequent to Musk and Child Rock.
The day earlier than the UFC battle, rumors had been swirling as as to if Trump would make an look. When requested to verify the rumors, White advised TMZ Sports activities on Friday, “I believe that something is feasible. Who is aware of? He might pop in.”
He added, “When you consider fighter walkouts, at any time when a fighter walks out to the [octagon], I imply, the 2 greatest that truly shake the world are President Trump and Conor McGregor. If he comes [Saturday] evening, it can positively be enjoyable.”