A historic night at Madison Square Garden brought together sports excellence and political star power in an unprecedented display of showmanship.
According to Fox News, UFC heavyweight champion Jon "Bones" Jones retained his title with a technical knockout victory over Stipe Miocic, then performed President-elect Donald Trump's signature dance moves before presenting him with the championship belt at UFC 309.
The celebration took an unexpected turn when Jones, fresh off his victory, broke into Trump's famous dance routine after landing a decisive spinning back kick that ended the fight. The crowd's reaction was electric, demonstrating their overwhelming support for both the fighter and the recently elected president.
Trump's appearance at the event marked his first UFC showing since winning the November 5 election against Vice President Kamala Harris.
The president-elect arrived with an impressive entourage that included Elon Musk, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Tulsi Gabbard, his sons Don Jr. and Eric, Kid Rock, Vivek Ramaswamy, and singer Jelly Roll.
The atmosphere in Madison Square Garden reached a fever pitch during Trump's entrance, with UFC commentator Joe Rogan noting the incredible audience response. As Rogan stated during the broadcast:
If people at home could hear the sound in this room right now. It is so loud! 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 event's significance extended beyond just the fight, as it represented a fusion of sports and political celebration, with the crowd spontaneously breaking into "USA! USA!" chants throughout the evening.
Jones's victory further solidified his position as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history, improving his impressive record to 28-1 with one no-contest. During his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, Jones expressed his patriotic sentiment:
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 night also marked a significant moment for Miocic, as the 42-year-old announced his retirement following the bout. His career conclusion adds another layer of historical importance to the evening as he steps away from the sport recognized as one of the greatest heavyweight fighters in UFC history.
The evening's festivities culminated in a memorable moment when Jones approached Trump's ringside position to present him with the UFC title belt. The gesture led to Trump extending an invitation for Jones to visit the White House after he assumes office as the 47th President next year.
The co-main event also provided additional excitement, with Charles Oliveira securing a unanimous decision victory over Michael Chandler. Following their five-round battle, Chandler, a known Trump supporter, shared a brief conversation with the president-elect at ringside.
The combination of athletic achievement and political celebration created an unprecedented atmosphere at Madison Square Garden, marking a unique moment in both UFC and American political history.
The evening will be remembered not only for Jones's dominant victory but also for the symbolic passing of the championship belt to the incoming president, creating an iconic image that captures the intersection of sports and politics in contemporary America.
