A star-studded UFC 309 event at Madison Square Garden turned into a memorable spectacle featuring newly re-elected President Donald Trump and heavyweight champion Jon "Bones" Jones.
According to Fox News, Jones retained his UFC heavyweight championship with a technical knockout victory over Stipe Miocic, celebrating his win by performing President-elect Trump's signature dance moves and presenting him with the championship belt.
The historic night unfolded at the iconic Madison Square Garden, where Jones secured his victory with a decisive spinning back kick to Miocic's ribs. The champion's performance was witnessed by an enthusiastic crowd and a distinguished group of attendees, including Elon Musk, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Tulsi Gabbard, and Trump's sons Don Jr. and Eric.
Trump's arrival at the venue created an electric atmosphere, with commentator Joe Rogan noting the unprecedented crowd response. The president-elect's presence, his first UFC appearance since winning the November 5 election over Vice President Kamala Harris, sparked widespread excitement throughout the arena.
During his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, Jones expressed his gratitude to Trump, leading to a passionate response from the crowd. Jones shared these words:
A big, big thank you to President Donald Trump for being here tonight. I'm proud to be a great American champion. I'm proud to be a Christian American champion.
The celebration reached its peak when Jones approached Trump's ringside position to present him with the UFC title belt, resulting in an invitation to visit the White House after Trump assumes office as the 47th President next year.
The victory further cemented Jones's status in UFC history, improving his impressive record to 28-1 with one no contest. The match marked a significant moment not only for Jones but also for his opponent Miocic, who announced his retirement from the sport following the bout.
The co-main event featured another notable performance, with Charles Oliveira securing a unanimous decision victory over Michael Chandler. After their five-round battle, Chandler, known for his support of Trump, shared a brief conversation with the president-elect.
The event showcased the intersection of sports and politics, drawing various prominent figures, including Kid Rock, Vivek Ramaswamy, and singer Jelly Roll. The crowd's enthusiasm manifested in repeated "USA! USA!" chants throughout the evening.
This championship bout represented more than just a title defense for Jones, as it combined athletic excellence with political significance. The match took place just weeks after Trump's historic rally at the same venue, adding another layer of importance to the evening.
The event's impact extended beyond the sporting realm, highlighting the continued influence of political figures in combat sports. The presence of diverse celebrities and political figures underscored the broad appeal of UFC events.
The UFC 309 event at Madison Square Garden showcased Jon "Bones" Jones's successful heavyweight title defense against Stipe Miocic, culminating in a technical knockout victory through a spinning back kick. The champion celebrated by performing President-elect Donald Trump's signature dance moves and presenting him with the championship belt.
The historic evening brought together sports excellence and political prominence, featuring appearances by numerous notable figures and resulting in Trump's invitation for Jones to visit the White House following his inauguration as the 47th President of the United States next year. The event marked another significant chapter in both UFC history and Jones's legendary career.
