President-elect Donald Trump returned to Madison Square Garden on Saturday evening for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 309 fight, receiving roaring applause from the crowd.
Just over a week after Trump won both the Electoral College and popular vote against Vice President Kamala Harris, the former president made a grand entrance at the New York City event. Accompanied by UFC CEO Dana White, Trump was closely followed by some of his Cabinet appointees, including billionaire Elon Musk, former Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and former Democratic Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard.
“The sound in this room — it is so loud,” announcer and podcast host Joe Rogan could be heard saying. “It’s always loud when he comes here, but not that he’s won, now that he’s president — oh my God.”
Trump was seen making his way through the stadium, waving and smiling at the cheering crowd before stopping by the announcer’s table to greet the three hosts, including Rogan. The former president greeted Rogan with a massive hug and handshake.
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The meeting between the two came after Rogan hosted Trump on his podcast, “The Joe Rogan Experience,” just over a week before Election Day. During the nearly three-hour conversation, they discussed topics such as Trump’s experience during his first administration and the policies he plans to push through.
The video, which has garnered 50 million views on YouTube, became a pivotal moment for Trump’s campaign as he sought to reach Independents and male voters. Rogan later went on to officially endorse the former president in a post on X the night before the election, stating that he agreed with Musk’s argument for supporting Trump during a subsequent episode.
“If it wasn’t for him we’d be fucked,” Rogan wrote of Musk. “He makes what I think is the most compelling case for Trump you’ll hear, and I agree with him every step of the way. For the record, yes, that’s an endorsement of Trump. Enjoy the podcast,” Rogan wrote.
During the event, fighter Jon “Bones” Jones defeated Stipe Miocic and kept his undisputed UFC world heavyweight champion title, making the crowd go wild after breaking into Trump’s signature YMCA dance after the win.
“A big, big thank you to President Donald Trump for being here tonight,” Jones said just before handing Trump his belt. “I’m proud to be a great American champion. I’m proud to be a Christian American champion.”
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Trump has often attended UFC fights and previously discussed his admiration for the sport with Rogan during their interview. White has also been a long-time supporter of Trump, introducing the former president at the Republican National Convention (RNC) in July and speaking to supporters during Trump’s sold-out rally at Madison Square Garden on October 27.
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