Trump attends UFC 309 at MSG alongside his cabinet picks, celebs
NEW YORK - After widespread speculation, President-elect Donald Trump made a headline-grabbing appearance at UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night.
The event came just weeks after his rally at MSG in October.
The event marked a celebratory moment for Trump, who appeared alongside several high-profile figures that are set to be part of his future cabinet, including Vivek Ramaswamy, RFK Jr., Elon Musk, and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 16: (L-R) Donald Trump Jr, Eric Trump, Mike Johnson and Vivek Ramaswamy look on during the UFC 309 event at Madison Square Garden on November 16, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
As Trump walked through the arena, cameras captured him mingling and talking to celebrities and notable attendees like singer-rapper Jelly Roll, Kid Rock, Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, and more.
(L-R) CEO of Ultimate Fighting Championship Dana White, US President-elect Donald Trump, singer Kid Rock and Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk pose for a photo as they attend UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden in New York, on November 16, 2024. US Preside
Before the event, UFC President Dana White said it would be "huge" if Trump showed up, noting he’s a favorite among many UFC fans.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 16: President-elect Donald Trump and Elon Musk talk ring side during the UFC 309 event at Madison Square Garden on November 16, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Trump previously appeared at UFC 302 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, in June, where he received a warm reception.
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - JUNE 01: Former U.S. President Donald Trump attends UFC 302 at Prudential Center on June 01, 2024 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
The scene felt more like a victory lap, with the president-elect soaking in the cheers and mingling with fans and VIPs in what many described as a triumphant return to the spotlight after his recent election win.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 16: President-elect Donald Trump poses for a photo during the UFC 309 event at Madison Square Garden on November 16, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
The night’s main event, a heavyweight showdown between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic, was only part of the spectacle as Trump’s presence electrified the sold-out crowd at MSG.