Donald Trump, along with several of his controversial cabinet picks, made a surprise appearance at UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night.
While attending fights in the octagon is nothing new for Trump, having gone to several in the past, Saturday’s visit marked his first appearance since becoming president-elect.
Just before 10 p.m. ET, Trump walked out into the New York City arena, alongside UFC CEO Dana White, who has been a close ally to the president-elect throughout his 2024 election campaign, which ultimately saw him defeat Kamala Harris earlier this month.
Following behind were Elon Musk, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., his son Donald Trump Jr. and singer Kid Rock.
Earlier this week, Trump named Kennedy as his pick to run the Department of Health and Human Services. Musk, along with Vivek Ramaswamy, was also announced to lead Trump’s newly-created Department of Government Efficiency.
After walking out, Trump immediately went over to Joe Rogan, host of The Joe Rogan Experience podcast who has also been an outspoken supporter of the former president, and gave him a big hug. Rogan also does commentary for UFC. And Trump was also a guest on his podcast last month.
A short time later, what can only be described as a Trump hype reel played on the Jumbotron for all the spectators to watch. After, they played the song “Y.M.C.A.,” which Trump could be seen dancing to before he finally sat down next to Musk and Kid Rock.
The day before the UFC fight, rumors were swirling as to whether Trump would make an appearance. When asked to confirm the rumors, White told TMZ Sports on Friday, “I think that anything is possible. Who knows? He could pop in.”
He added, “When you think about fighter walkouts, whenever a fighter walks out to the [octagon], I mean, the two biggest that actually shake the arena are President Trump and Conor McGregor. If he comes [Saturday] night, it will definitely be fun.”
