On November 19, 2024, Donald Trump attended an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event at Madison Square Garden in New York City, shortly after his presidential victory.
Trump entered the arena to Kid Rock's "American Bad Ass," accompanied by UFC CEO Dana White and notable figures such as Elon Musk and Tulsi Gabbard. The event featured a heavyweight title fight between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic, but many attendees were there to see Trump.
Joe Rogan, a UFC commentator, remarked on the crowd's excitement, stating, "Oh, my God," as Trump approached the octagon. The audience frequently chanted "U.S.A." and applauded when Trump danced to "Y.M.C.A."
Trump's connection to the UFC dates back to its inception in 1993, when he hosted events at his Trump Taj Mahal casino, helping to establish the sport's legitimacy. White noted Trump’s early support for the UFC, contrasting it with the negative perceptions it faced.
During the event, Trump sat near White and interacted with various influencers from the podcasting world, aiming to engage younger voters. White emphasized the importance of these connections in mobilizing young men, a demographic that often abstains from voting.
The night concluded with Jones defeating Miocic in the main event, after which Jones thanked Trump and led the crowd in chants of "U.S.A." Trump was presented with the championship belt, symbolizing his prominent status within the UFC community.