In a thrilling display of sports fandom, President Trump took center stage at the Ultimate Fighting Championship (U.F.C.) event in Miami this past Saturday, accompanied by top aides and industry heavyweights like Elon Musk.

This marks the second U.F.C. event Trump has attended since reclaiming the presidency last November and his inaugural visit this term to the octagonal ring—a stark contrast to the scripted drama of wrestling entertainment.

A long-time U.F.C. enthusiast, Trump previously graced an event in New York City during his first presidency and famously invited U.F.C. CEO Dana White to join him on stage after his election victory in 2024. His attendance at these high-octane fights underscores his appreciation for combat sports as a representation of American bravado.

As he entered the Kaseya Center, the pulsating beats of Kid Rock’s "American Bad Ass" reverberated through the crowd, which erupted into resounding applause. Seated alongside Musk—accompanied by one of his many children—Trump joined a star-studded group that included the F.B.I. director, Kash Patel; Secretary of State Marco Rubio; and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., among others.

However, a slight moment of awkwardness arose when Trump attempted to greet Kennedy, who was distracted, leaving both Hines and Kennedy puzzled over the apparent snub—an interaction that quickly made waves on social media.

Staying until the early hours, Trump witnessed five exhilarating bouts, with winners celebrating like modern-day gladiators as they embraced the electrified crowd. Musk shared a jaw-dropping clip of a knockout punch via his platform, X, showcasing his own thrill for the matches.

In the second fight, Trump’s supporter and Arkansas fighter Bryce Mitchell faced a tough defeat against Brazilian Jean Silva, further highlighting the colorful personalities within the U.F.C. Mitchell, who previously stirred controversy for his comments about Adolf Hitler, managed to avoid repercussions, attributing it to free speech.

Trump’s connections to wrestling and U.F.C. have heavily influenced his political rallies, blending theatrics and showmanship that resonate with supporters—a tactic he embraced during his current campaign.

Saturday's event also highlighted the network of cultural and political affiliations that have propelled Trump back into the political arena. Among his circle was cult-favorite podcaster Joe Rogan, adding to the evening’s electrifying atmosphere.

Just prior, Trump made a fleeting trip from Palm Beach on Air Force One, likening the fight night experience to the turbulence in global affairs. "We have lots of fights going around the world, and I think we have a lot of good news coming soon about some of those fights," he commented, promising optimism amid the chaos.