Trump, Musk, Others Attend UFC Fight Night In New York

President-elect Donald Trump celebrated his election victory on Saturday night with a high-profile appearance at the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC 309) event at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Accompanied by billionaire Elon Musk and greeted by cheering fans, Trump’s presence underscored his connection to the mixed martial arts (MMA) world, where some affectionately call him the “Combatant in Chief.”

Trump, a close friend of UFC President Dana White, spent much of the evening seated between White and Musk, watching the fights with rapt attention and occasionally chatting with fighters after their matches. Entering the arena to loud music, Trump waved to the crowd, many of whom enthusiastically waved back. He stayed late into the night, watching five matches, including the main event, which ended past 1:30 a.m. on Sunday.

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The headline bout featured Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic battling for the undisputed heavyweight championship. After Jones emerged victorious, he thanked Trump during his victory speech, and the two shook hands in a show of mutual respect.

Joining Trump’s entourage were prominent allies, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, singer Kid Rock, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whom Trump has nominated as Secretary of Health and Human Services. Other notable figures included Tulsi Gabbard, his pick for intelligence chief, and country singer Jelly Roll. As the iconic campaign anthem “YMCA” played over the loudspeakers, Trump delighted fans with a few of his signature dance moves.

Trump’s visit to the storied Manhattan arena marked a return to a controversial campaign rally held there on October 27, where a warm-up comedian’s remarks about Puerto Rico drew criticism. This time, however, the mood was celebratory. Among the nearly 20,000 attendees were several sporting red “Make America Great Again” hats, including 22-year-old Sean Allen from upstate New York. Allen, a Trump supporter, borrowed a MAGA hat from a friend after learning the president-elect might attend the fight.

Trump’s decisive November 5 victory over Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris has energized his supporters, many of whom view his UFC appearance as a testament to his connection with everyday Americans and his loyal base.

“I’d never voted before. That was my first time voting,” Allen said, adding that he could have voted at the previous election but did not care about politics.

“When I woke up, I was like, OK, wow, Trump won big.”