Former US President Donald Trump made a grand appearance at UFC 290 in Las Vegas, captivating the crowd with his presence. He received an enthusiastic welcome as he walked into the arena for the highly anticipated International event.
The 77-year-old and UFC President Dana White shook hands and waved to the crowd assembled at the T-Mobile Arena.
Surrounded by a team of Secret Service agents, Trump took his seat just before the commencement of the main card. Prior to settling in, he posed for a photograph with former UFC Heavyweight Champion Stipe Miocic. Notably, Trump was also seen alongside renowned actor Mel Gibson and political strategist Roger Stone.
The T-Mobile Arena boasted a star-studded gathering. There were prominent personalities such as actors Miles Teller and David Spade, as well as UFC champion Israel Adesanya.
Trump’s liking for UFC events is well-known, with a history of involvement and support. Trump was present at UFC 264. More recently, he also attended UFC 287 and was seated alongside boxing legend Mike Tyson and musician Kid Rock.
The former President was complimented by Jorge Masvidal after his bout at UFC 287 in April. Trump had watched Masvidal in a previous match against Nate Diaz in 2019.
In his interview after the match, Masvidal exclaimed “Greatest president in the history of the world sitting right there, I love that guy.” He then pointed at Trump, who was sitting ringside at the Miami-Dade Arena. Masvidal further praised Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and initiated a chant against Joe Biden.
Over the years, Trump and Dana White have forged a strong bond. The UFC president also publicly endorsed Trump during the 2016 Republican National Convention.
White also spoke on behalf of Trump at the 2020 Republican National Convention. Reflecting on their relationship, White shared with Tucker Carlson: “This guy has been so good to me it’s unexplainable. He’s been a very good friend to me since the day I met him. When we bought this company it had such a bad stigma attached to it and the sport that we couldn’t even get into venues, they didn’t want us.”
“Donald Trump saw that this thing could possibly be big, plus he’s a sports guy who loves sports, and he offered us to come do the event at the Trump Taj Mahal at Atlantic City. He cut us a very fair deal and we went down there and did two events with him where he showed up for the first”
“Imagine back then; Trump brand is way up, UFC brand is way down, but he took us in and he was great. Everything that ever happened to me in my career after that day, the first guy to reach out and say congratulations was Donald Trump; whether it was a letter or one time we were on the cover of the New York Times.”
“He said ‘I always knew you were going to do it, Dana, congratulations,’ and he sent me the paper. He sent me a pen one time congratulating me. He’s always sending something to say congratulations; a guy who is genuinely happy for your success.”