Trump was warmly welcomed at UFC 309, with cheers and loud music as he entered the arena. The former president was flanked by UFC President Dana White and Tesla CEO Elon Musk throughout the event, demonstrating his strong ties in the world of sports and tech. Notably, Trump's cabinet nominations included Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Tulsi Gabbard, and Vivek Ramaswamy, who is set to lead a new initiative on government efficiency alongside Musk.
As the night unfolded, Trump greeted Joe Rogan, a well-known podcaster and UFC announcer, who publicly endorsed him during an earlier appearance on Rogan's show. Fans applauded and chanted “USA” as Trump made his way to the octagon, where he relished in footage celebrating his victory over Kamala Harris. Jon Jones, who retained his heavyweight title, celebrated by handing Trump his championship belt. Jones thanked the president-elect for being present, receiving roaring approval from the audience.
Trump’s long-standing affection for the UFC has seen him attend numerous events, often met with cheers, although he has occasionally faced mixed reactions, as seen at a 2019 event. UFC President Dana White is among Trump's staunchest supporters, having spoken at the Republican National Convention about Trump’s toughness and resilience, emphasizing the close relationship between the UFC and the former president's political endeavors.
