Donald Trump made a triumphant return to Madison Sq. Backyard Saturday night time because the president-elect with a star-studded entourage, basking within the thunderous applause of followers at UFC 309 simply weeks after holding a historic rally contained in the “World’s Most Well-known Area.”
Trump, making his first UFC look since profitable the election Nov. 5 over Vice President Kamala Harris, walked in with an entourage that included UFC President Dana White, Elon Musk, Speaker Mike Johnson, Vivek Ramaswamy, Child Rock, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Tulsi Gabbard, and sons Donald Jr. and Eric.
When he got here by way of the tunnel subsequent to White and appeared for all to see, the reception was deafening, in response to the printed crew.
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Dana White, President-elect Donald Trump, Child Rock and Elon musk pose for a photograph in the course of the UFC 309 occasion at Madison Sq. Backyard on November 16, 2024 in New York Metropolis. (Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
“If folks at dwelling might hear the sound on this room proper now. It’s so loud!” Joe Rogan mentioned on the pay-per-view broadcast. “It’s all the time loud when he is available in, however now that he’s gained [the election], now that he’s the president once more, oh my God!”
The published added that these capable of stand inside the world had been doing in order the video board began enjoying a video montage for Trump’s arrival. Chants of “USA! USA!” additionally stuffed the world.
As the gang erupted, Trump made his option to the ringside announcers desk the place he embraced podcast king and UFC commentator Joe Rogan. Trump appeared on Rogan’s in style podcast on Oct. 25, partaking in a freewheeling dialogue that lasted some three hours. Harris declined to do the present, and Rogan would later endorse Trump.
Anticipation constructed all week that Trump would seem on the struggle, and rumors had been confirmed by Margo Martin, Trump’s deputy director of communications, who shot video of the president-elect coming into his jet to journey to New York.
A photograph from contained in the jet confirmed Trump watching the preliminary fights alongside RFK Jr., who he named earlier this week as his choose to run the Division of Well being and Human Providers.
Kennedy, who started the 2024 marketing campaign as a Democratic candidate, suspended his bid and joined forces with Trump in August, changing into a strong surrogate and a detailed confidante within the remaining months of the race.
Ramaswamy, an early 2024 Republican presidential candidate who dropped out of the race and threw his help behind Trump, tweeted an image of him with Child Rock on the Madison Sq. Backyard struggle. It was not clear in the event that they flew with Trump or traveled individually.
Ramaswamy and Musk have been appointed to run what Group Trump is looking the Division of Authorities Effectivity, which intends to root out trillions of {dollars} in waste and fraud within the federal price range.
Trump and White are longtime mates, the latter making a number of appearances throughout Trump’s marketing campaign main as much as the election.
DONALD TRUMP HEADS TO UFC 309, EXPECTED TO RECEIVE RAUCOUS CHEERS AFTER ELECTION WIN
White, who mentioned Trump is a “large fan” of blended martial arts, was coy about rumors Trump was heading to the Backyard throughout an interview with TMZ Sports activities.
“I feel that something is feasible,” White mentioned with a smile. “Who is aware of? He might pop in.”
White added {that a} majority of his group’s fan base has proven like to Trump over time.
Former President Trump talks with UFC President Dana White throughout a struggle between César Almeida (purple gloves) and Roman Kopylov (blue gloves) throughout UFC 302 at Prudential Heart in Newark, N.J., June 1, 2024. (Joe Camporeale/USA As we speak Sports activities)
“When you concentrate on fighter walkouts, every time a fighter walks out to the [octagon], I imply, the 2 largest that really shake the world are President Trump and Conor McGregor,” White mentioned. “If he comes [Saturday] night time, it can undoubtedly be enjoyable.”
Trump confirmed up on the Prudential Heart in Newark, New Jersey, for UFC 302 in June, the place a thunderous applause rained down from the gang as effectively.
Former Bellator light-weight champion Michael Chandler, who’s again within the octagon after greater than two years since his final struggle, is a famous Trump supporter and hoped he could be in attendance.
“I did see Trump, and he mentioned, “I’ll both be there on Nov. 16 as a result of we gained the election, or, if I misplaced, I’ll be depressed, and I gained’t present up.’ Clearly, he gained the election, so it feels like he’s going to be there,” Chandler mentioned.
Chandler added that profitable his struggle in entrance of Trump could be an “honor.”
Dana White speaks subsequent to former President Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, throughout a rally at Palm Seaside County Conference Heart in West Palm Seaside, Fla., Nov. 6, 2024. (Brendan McDermid/Reuters)
Trump’s Oct. 27 rally at Madison Sq. Backyard was a momentous occasion in his marketing campaign and featured a lineup of audio system that rivaled a political conference.
Dozens of elected leaders; Trump’s sons, Don Jr. and Eric; spouse Melania, Musk; and working mate JD Vance all spoke earlier than Trump took the stage. The rally drew a packed home, and 1000’s extra supporters milled about on the streets outdoors the legendary enviornment.
White additionally spoke on the MSG rally, warning voters Harris is “establishment” for an America he believed was in determined want of change.
“She will be able to get your social gathering’s nomination with out even dealing with voters,” White mentioned. “What else? What else can she supply the American folks apart from imprecise guarantees and no plan?
“She talks rather a lot concerning the want for change and her hope for the longer term. Hope and alter. Does that sound acquainted? She will be able to use the previous Obama playbook, however she’s not Obama, and she or he isn’t any agent of change. She is the sitting vice chairman of america proper now. What she hopes is voters will concentrate on the longer term as a result of she doesn’t need us wanting on the final 4 years to see what we actually want to vary.”
Former President Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, pumps his fist as he arrives to talk at a marketing campaign occasion at Nassau Coliseum Sept.18, 2024, in Uniondale, N.Y. (AP Picture/Alex Brandon)
Chandler is part of the co-main occasion for UFC 309 and can struggle Charles Oliveira. Jon “Bones” Jones additionally enters the octagon after a protracted hiatus and will probably be an amazing favourite over Stipe Miocic.
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