Donald Trump is a big fan of mixed martial arts and apparently the love is mutual, as the former president, accompanied by UFC president Dana White, walked into the 302 event at Prudential Center in New Jersey being greeted with many cheers and a standing ovation. Important to note, this was Trump's first public appearance since Thursday's verdict, in which he became the only criminally convicted U.S. president in history.
🚨 BREAKING: Donald Trump walks into UFC 302 in New Jersey just days after being convicted 10 miles away in New York — Crowd ROARS 🔥pic.twitter.com/Da9sKhNiMo
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) June 2, 2024
Notably, in the court case hearing that took place down the road in Manhattan, Trump was just found guilty on 34 felony counts of falsifying records. This conviction stemmed from allegations faced by an adult film star, in what became known as the the hush money trial.
Nevertheless, Saturday night the convicted felon seemed in good spirits, as "we love Trump" chants were heard throughout the arena while the 45th president walked to his seat.
Then correspondingly, the fans chanted [expletive] Joe Biden right after Trump sat down to watch the fights, which were headlined by the Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier match. (Makhachev defeated Poirier by submission late in the fifth round after a chokehold led to a 'tap out').
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers also was in attendance, but didn't receive nearly the amount of acclamation as the former president.
Trump mogged Aaron Rodgers last night with an applause 5x louder lmao pic.twitter.com/u6vEZ6iehy
— johnny maga (@_johnnymaga) June 2, 2024
Even the fighters showed love to Trump, as Kevin Holland defeated Michal Oleksiejczuk in a round one submission, before jumping over the cage to talk with the former United States of America president, as well as UFC president White.
Awesome moment last night at UFC 302 as Kevin Holland celebrates his win with President Trump and Dana White.
Trump is the people’s president.pic.twitter.com/3M6gACithD
— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) June 2, 2024
Then fighter Sean Strickland was heard giving his support to the recently convicted Trump, after defeating Paulo Costa in the co-main event.
BREAKING: Former UFC champion Sean Strickland shouts out Trump in his post-fight victory speech.
“President Trump, you’re the man… It is a d*mn travesty what they are doing to you. I’ll be donating to you, my man.” pic.twitter.com/M8YQ3jpyTX
— Leading Report (@LeadingReport) June 2, 2024
Whether you hate him or love him, Trump certainly is the center of attention wherever he goes, and receives much adulation whenever making an appearance at an UFC event.
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