In 2018, during Trump's first term, he and White starred in a UFC video where the then-president was described as the 'Commander in Chief.' As Trump has strengthened his control over the national Republican Party over the past decade, White's personal political profile has grown exponentially. However, Trump continues to enjoy visits to New York, where he lived for decades before moving to his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida. Trump's son Don Jr. also attended the fight.
Except for a one-day trip to Washington this week to meet for nearly two hours with President Joe Biden and separately address the House Republicans, Trump has spent his time since his electoral victory at Mar-a-Lago.
While Trump recorded a podcast with Rogan, who has also discussed hyper-masculinity, Harris failed to make a similar appearance, citing scheduling conflicts. Returning to Madison Square Garden meant revisiting the place where a comedian caused a stir at a Trump rally last month by comparing Puerto Rico to a 'floating garbage island.' The club has hosted conservative galas and events throughout the week.
Trump has had a close relationship with White for over two decades. White organized a UFC battle in 2001 at Trump Taj Mahal, a former casino-hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and Trump has frequently attended UFC fights since then, including during his 2024 campaign. Trump even had a brief conversation with country singer Jelly Roll after they shook hands. Trump has recently appeared at fights with famous companions, such as White, musician Kid Rock, and former Fox News host Tucker Carlson.
White intervened in the Republican conventions of 2016 and 2020, and when the party gathered in Milwaukee last July. UFC fans wore red Trump hats, and some waved flags with his image during breaks. Trump shook hands with the UFC broadcasting team, which included Joe Rogan.
President-elect Donald Trump received a thunderous ovation from the standing crowd on Saturday, just before the start of the UFC card at Madison Square Garden. The winner of the recent elections combined two things he is passionate about: fierce battles inside the octagon and the city of New York. Trump was accompanied by UFC president Dana White, and both made their way to their seats by the octagon to the tune of 'American Bad Ass' by Kid Rock. The UFC aired a series of videos about Trump's path to reclaiming the White House, labeling the production as 'the greatest comeback in American history,' as fans stood and applauded.
Trump, dressed in a red tie, raised his fist to the crowd when the video finished. The president-elect also moved his clenched fists back and forth and briefly danced to 'YMCA' by Village People just outside the octagon. He made promoting hyper-masculine expressions a hallmark of his campaign, seeking to widen the gap between himself and his Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump and his top supporters embraced terms about alpha males, often accompanied by vulgar and derogatory language.
During the campaign, Trump frequently appeared on podcasts, gaming platforms, and events with key supporters who described a vote for Trump as a way to demonstrate true masculinity. Besieged by photographers and close fans, Trump stood to pose for photos with White, Musk, and other acquaintances during breaks between fights. The MSG crowd chanted 'USA! USA!' just before the main card began and then repeated the chant throughout the evening. Trump was flanked in his front-row seat by White on his right and Musk on his left, and he politely applauded the winners of the fights.
After a year-long delay, Stipe Miocic had his opportunity for a third reign as heavyweight champion by facing the current champion, Jon Jones, in the main event of UFC 309. Trump has been a long-time UFC enthusiast and frequently attends major fights. The announcers for the pay-per-view broadcast later stated: 'The word festive doesn't even begin to describe' the scene. 'President number 47 is in the building. He keeps moving forward. What you have seen over the past years, this is what it looks like: they couldn't stop him. He doesn't give up.'
