President-elect Donald Trump made a grand entrance at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night, just ahead of the start of the UFC 309 pay-per-view card. The event combined two of Trump’s passions: fierce battles inside the octagon and the vibrant energy of New York City. Trump was accompanied by UFC President Dana White, and the pair headed to their cageside seats to the tune of Kid Rock’s “American Bad Ass.” The arena erupted in a standing ovation as a video package highlighting Trump’s road to the White House played on the screens, with fans applauding enthusiastically. Trump, wearing a red tie, pumped his fist toward the crowd as the video ended, clearly enjoying the moment.
Read More: Teddy Long
Trump’s enthusiasm was palpable as he briefly danced to the Village People’s “YMCA” just outside the cage, with his clenched fists pumping back and forth. Joining him at the Garden were Elon Musk, picked by Trump to lead a new Department of Government Efficiency, and House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La. Trump also shook hands with the UFC broadcast team, which included Joe Rogan, who had previously hosted Trump on his podcast. The crowd chanted “USA! USA!” right before the main card was about to start, setting the stage for an electric night of fights.
The Main Event: Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic
After a year delay, Stipe Miocic finally got his shot at a third heavyweight championship reign as he battled current champion Jon Jones in the main event at UFC 309. The return to Madison Square Garden was significant, as it revisited the place where a comedian caused an uproar at a Trump rally last month by likening Puerto Rico to a “floating island of garbage.” Despite the controversy, Trump continued to relish his visits to New York, where he lived for decades before moving to his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida.
Trump boarded his plane for the flight to New York accompanied by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., his choice to lead the Department of Health and Human Services after his new administration begins on Jan. 20. Trump’s son, Don Jr., also attended the fight, adding to the star-studded entourage. The trip to New York came after the president-elect announced his choice for energy secretary in his upcoming administration and followed Musk’s call for more direct public input into the decision-making process for another top post Trump is still mulling, the head of his new administration’s Treasury Department.
The Co-Main Event: Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler
In the five-round co-main event, former lightweight champion and No. 2 ranked contender Charles Oliveira battled No. 6 ranked Michael Chandler in a highly anticipated rematch. The fight was a collision of UFC legends, with both fighters bringing their A-game to the octagon. Oliveira, known for his submission skills, faced off against Chandler, a powerful striker with a wrestling background. The fight lived up to the hype, with both fighters showcasing their talents and leaving it all in the octagon.
The Star-Studded Entourage and Electric Atmosphere
Donald Trump made a triumphant return to Madison Square Garden Saturday night as the president-elect with a star-studded entourage, basking in the thunderous applause of fans at UFC 309 just weeks after holding a historic rally inside the “World’s Most Famous Arena.” Trump, making his first UFC appearance since winning 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, Kid Rock, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Tulsi Gabbard, and sons Donald Jr. and Eric.
When he came through the tunnel next to White and appeared for all to see, the reception was deafening, according to the broadcast team. “If people at home could hear the sound in this room right now. It is so loud!” Joe Rogan said on the pay-per-view broadcast. “It’s always loud when he comes in, but now that he’s won [the election], now that he’s the president again, oh my God!” The broadcast added that those able to stand inside the arena were doing so as the video board started playing a video montage for Trump’s arrival. Chants of “USA! USA!” also filled the arena.
As the crowd erupted, Trump made his way to the ringside announcers table where he embraced podcast king and UFC commentator Joe Rogan. Trump appeared on Rogan’s popular podcast on Oct. 25, engaging in a freewheeling discussion that lasted some three hours. Harris declined to do the show, and Rogan would later endorse Trump. Anticipation built all week that Trump would appear at the fight, and rumors were confirmed by Margo Martin, Trump’s deputy director of communications, who shot video of the president-elect entering his jet to travel to New York.
The Undercard Fights and Notable Performances
The undercard fights at UFC 309 featured several notable performances that kept the crowd engaged and excited. In one of the early fights, Ruffy faced off against Llontop in a battle that saw Ruffy warm into the fight after a hesitant start. Llontop came out strong, but Ruffy staggered the Peruvian rookie in the first round and dropped him with a look-away left hand in the second. Although fatigue set in over the final five minutes, allowing Llontop to have more success, Ruffy secured a solid win.
In another undercard fight, Araujo started well, using her movement to pick at Silva before the Dana White’s Contender Series grad found success with power shots towards the end of the first and early in the second. Araujo clawed back in the late stages of the second and was the slightly fresher fighter of the two down the stretch as the compatriots grappled through to the final horn.
The grappling match most anticipated between Bo Nickal and Paul Craig turned into a 15-minute kickboxing session, with neither man attempting a takedown and the fight never hitting the canvas once. In all three rounds, the middleweights spent the full five minutes working at range, Nickal searching for looping overhands while the Scotsman countered by blasting body kicks and looking to counter. Nickal landed the better individual shots, hurting Craig with an overhand left in the final stanza, causing immediate damage to his right eye, but he was unable to follow up with much before the final horn.
The Legacy of UFC 309 and Its Impact on the Sport
UFC 309 marked a significant moment in the history of the UFC, with the return of the promotion to Madison Square Garden and the presence of President-elect Donald Trump adding to the event’s prestige. The main event between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic was a clash of titans, with both fighters bringing their best to the octagon. The co-main event between Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler was a highly anticipated rematch that lived up to the hype, showcasing the skills and determination of both fighters.
The star-studded entourage and electric atmosphere at Madison Square Garden highlighted the growing popularity and cultural significance of the UFC. The event was a testament to the sport’s ability to bring together diverse audiences and create unforgettable moments. As the UFC continues to grow and evolve, events like UFC 309 will remain etched in the memory of fans and serve as a reminder of the sport’s enduring appeal.
In conclusion, UFC 309 was a monumental event that showcased the best of the UFC, from the main event between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic to the highly anticipated rematch between Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler. The presence of President-elect Donald Trump and his star-studded entourage added to the electric atmosphere at Madison Square Garden, highlighting the cultural significance and growing popularity of the UFC. The event will be remembered for its thrilling fights, star-studded audience, and the enduring legacy it leaves on the sport. As the UFC continues to captivate audiences worldwide, events like UFC 309 will remain a testament to the sport’s enduring appeal and its ability to create unforgettable moments.
