President Donald Trump made history by attending a UFC event at the Kaseya Center in Miami, becoming the first sitting president to do so. His arrival was met with enthusiastic applause as he participated in the traditional “walkout” usually reserved for athletes. Trump was present for the featherweight title fight between Alexander Volkanovski from Australia and Brazil’s Diego Lopes.
Accompanying Trump were several prominent figures, including entrepreneur Elon Musk and key members of his administration such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and FBI Director Kash Patel. Trump was also seen greeting UFC CEO Dana White, podcast host Joe Rogan, and basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal on the arena floor.
Trump’s attendance at the high-profile event highlights his continuing presence in American popular culture, using his position to attend some of the nation’s biggest sporting events. It also emphasizes his long-standing relationship with the UFC and its CEO, Dana White, and the connection between the mixed martial arts organization and the demographic that has been key to Trump’s political resurgence.
Though the president’s domestic travel during his second term has been limited to occasional visits to his Mar-a-Lago estate, Trump has attended several major sporting events since taking office, including the Super Bowl in New Orleans, the Daytona 500, and the NCAA wrestling championships in Philadelphia. White House communications director Steven Cheung stated, “President Trump and the UFC are cultural icons. He is a fan of the sport and the elite competitive spirit of all the athletes who step into the Octagon.”
Trump’s engagement with the male-focused podcast scene during his 2024 campaign helped increase his appeal among low-propensity voters. He and his surrogates participated in interviews with popular figures like Rogan, Barstool Sports’ “Bussin’ With The Boys,” and Andrew Schulz’s “Flagrant,” where the president discussed topics like fitness and masculinity—issues often associated with UFC and its audience.
Founded in 1993, the UFC has grown into a major sporting organization, similar to Trump’s political rise. In 2019, the UFC struck a deal with Disney to broadcast its “Fight Night” events on ESPN+, reaching an audience in 170 countries. Trump has been a long-time supporter of the UFC, having attended events such as the one at Madison Square Garden shortly after his 2016 election win, where he was celebrated with a special video and joined ringside by figures like Kid Rock and Tucker Carlson.
Trump’s friendship with Dana White dates back to the early 2000s when Trump helped the UFC secure a venue at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City. White has since become a significant surrogate for Trump, especially in the 2024 campaign, where UFC’s social media reach and youthful fan base have been instrumental in connecting with younger voters. UFC star Conor McGregor, for example, boasts nearly 47 million Instagram followers.
When it came time for Trump to choose someone to introduce him at the 2024 Republican National Convention, he selected Dana White, who praised Trump as “the toughest, most resilient human being I’ve ever met.” White’s endorsement highlighted the deep bond between the two, forged through years of mutual loyalty and shared values.
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