President-elect Donald Trump celebrated his election victory Saturday night at UFC 309 in Madison Square Garden, surrounded by key cabinet nominees and business leaders in a high-profile display of his continued connection to combat sports.
Trump entered the arena to thunderous applause and “USA” chants, immediately showcasing the coalition of supporters he’s assembled since winning the presidency. The president-elect spent the evening seated between UFC President Dana White and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who has been tapped to help lead Trump’s new cost-cutting initiatives.
Several of Trump’s cabinet nominees attended the event, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard, along with Vivek Ramaswamy, who will join Musk in heading the newly proposed Department of Government Efficiency. The gathering marked one of the first public appearances of Trump’s emerging administration team since his election victory.
The evening reached a dramatic peak when heavyweight champion Jon Jones, after successfully defending his title, presented his championship belt to Trump. “I want to say a big thank you to President Donald Trump for being here tonight,” Jones declared to roaring approval from the crowd.
Popular podcaster and UFC announcer Joe Rogan, who endorsed Trump after hosting him on his show before the election, warmly embraced the president-elect. The UFC showcased footage celebrating Trump’s victory over Kamala Harris on the arena’s giant screens, with Trump dancing in response to the crowd’s enthusiasm.
The appearance highlighted Trump’s long-standing relationship with the UFC and its president Dana White, who delivered a forceful endorsement at the Republican National Convention in July. “I’m in the tough guy business and this man is the toughest, most resilient human being I have ever met in my entire life,” White had declared.
Trump’s reception marked a stark contrast to his last UFC appearance in 2019, when he faced some boos during his first term. Saturday’s overwhelmingly positive response reflected his current popularity among the mixed martial arts fanbase and signaled the growing alliance between Trump’s political movement and combat sports culture.
The event also served as an informal showcase of Trump’s unconventional approach to government, bringing together traditional political figures with business and entertainment personalities who have been given significant roles in his upcoming administration.
The president-elect’s choice of venue for his victory celebration – preferring the octagon to more traditional settings – underscored his continued embrace of populist spaces and connection to combat sports culture, even as he prepares to return to the nation’s highest office.
