MIAMI (AP) - President Donald Trump received a warm welcome at a UFC event on Saturday night, entering to a standing ovation and cheers from a crowd of thousands. Supporters waved his signature MAGA hats as he shook hands with fans, signifying his strong support among the audience present in the Miami Kaseya Center.
Upon his arrival, Trump exchanged pleasantries with podcast host Joe Rogan, positioned on his right, while billionaire and chief of the Department of Government Efficiency, Elon Musk, sat on his left. Dressed in a dark suit complemented by a bright yellow tie, Trump energised the crowd by fist-pumping to the music of "Taking Care of Business," creating an electrifying atmosphere.
Accompanying the president were various members of his administration and White House team, including Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., FBI Director Kash Patel, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard among others. Notable Republican figures such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, were also present at UFC 314, highlighting the political support for the event.
Trump entered the arena alongside UFC President Dana White, with whom he shares a long-standing friendship. He also brought along his granddaughter, Kai Trump, adding a personal touch to his public appearance. A well-known UFC enthusiast, the president has regularly attended major fights, making this event his first UFC visit since taking office in January.
This mixed martial arts event, featuring the championship bout between former Australian champion Alexander Volkanovski and Brazilian fighter Diego Lopes for the featherweight title, marked the fourth UFC event held in Miami. This venue has shown significant support for Trump, with the county backing him by around 11 percentage points in the recent November election.
Following his arrival in West Palm Beach on Friday, where he enjoyed his 10th visit to South Florida, Trump spent the night at his Mar-a-Lago estate before flying to Miami post-golfing at his local club. During his flight aboard Air Force One, Trump expressed confidence in UFC president Dana White's success, saying, "You know who’s going to win? Dana White. Dana White’s gonna win," signaling his camaraderie with White and enthusiasm for the event.
Trump’s alignment with the UFC has proven beneficial for his 2024 presidential campaign as it resonates well with young male voters. His campaign strategy has leaned heavily on promoting hypermasculine themes, which was a hallmark of his outreach efforts leading up to the November election.
The atmosphere at UFC 314 not only reflected Trump's popularity but also showcased his influence within the intersection of sports and politics. His presence among high-profile attendees and his celebrity connections have solidified his status as a prominent figure in both arenas.
