After the controversial rally, will Trump return to Madison Square Garden in a surprise visit? – nj.com
President-elect Donald Trump electrified Madison Square Garden on Saturday night, November 16, 2024, as he attended the UFC 309 championship fight. The crowd erupted in a standing ovation as Trump entered the venue alongside UFC President Dana White. The pair made their way to cageside seats while Kid Rock’s “American Bad Ass” played. Fans stood and applauded as a video showcasing Trump’s journey to the White House aired. Wearing his signature red tie, Trump responded to the cheers by pumping his fist and smiling.
The atmosphere in the arena intensified when Trump, known for his larger-than-life persona, briefly danced to the Village People’s “YMCA.” The crowd chanted “USA! USA!” moments before the main event began. Trump was joined by high-profile allies, including Elon Musk, who he has selected to head the Department of Government Efficiency, and House Speaker Mike Johnson. Trump greeted the UFC broadcast team, which featured Joe Rogan, further strengthening his ties to the sports and entertainment world.
The night’s main event featured Stipe Miocic vying for his third heavyweight championship reign against current champion Jon Jones. The fight was one of the most anticipated events in UFC history, made even more memorable by Trump’s presence. Trump has long been a UFC enthusiast and has frequently attended major fights. His affinity for the sport aligns with the hypermasculine tone he adopted during his latest campaign, a strategy aimed at connecting with male voters.
Trump’s UFC appearance follows a whirlwind post-election schedule. Despite spending most of his time at Mar-a-Lago, his Palm Beach club, Trump has made key trips, including a meeting in Washington, D.C., with President Joe Biden and House Republicans. His New York visit also marks a return to a city he once called home before relocating to Florida. Joining him at the fight were his son Don Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s choice for Secretary of Health and Human Services in his upcoming administration.
Trump’s relationship with Dana White spans over two decades. White’s first UFC event at the Trump Taj Mahal in 2001 marked the beginning of a lasting friendship. Over the years, Trump has become a staple at UFC events, often arriving with notable figures like Kid Rock and Tucker Carlson. During his first term as president, Trump appeared in a UFC promotional video where he was dubbed the “Combatant In Chief.”
The event was not just a night of sports but a display of Trump’s enduring influence and ability to captivate audiences. As chants and cheers echoed through the arena, the evening underscored Trump’s deep ties to his supporters and his ongoing ability to command attention on the national stage.
For Trump, the UFC championship at Madison Square Garden was more than a sporting event—it was another opportunity to connect with his base, celebrate his electoral victory, and reaffirm his status as a cultural and political heavyweight.
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