President Trump, accompanied by some of his cabinet members and adviser Elon Musk, attended the Ultimate Fighting Championship event in Miami late Saturday night — a thrilling display of violence, pulsating music, and enthusiastic crowds that has long captivated the president.
This marks Mr. Trump’s second U.F.C. event since his re-election in November and his first as president. In contrast to World Wrestling Entertainment events, U.F.C. matches feature genuine competition.
Mr. Trump has been a U.F.C. enthusiast for years, having previously attended an event in New York City in late 2019 during his first term. He even invited U.F.C. CEO Dana White to the stage during his victory speech on election night in 2024.
However, the atmosphere on Saturday exemplified a president growing more assertive and bold, prompting displays of strength to advance his agenda, particularly in areas of immigration and crime.
Upon entering the Kaseya Center, Mr. Trump was greeted by the resonating strains of Kid Rock’s “American Bad Ass” and a wave of enthusiastic applause from the audience. Seated alongside Mr. Musk and one of his 14 children, Mr. Trump also mingled with high-profile figures such as F.B.I. Director Kash Patel, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his wife, actress Cheryl Hines. Senator Ted Cruz from Texas was also part of Trump’s entourage.
Upon arrival, Mr. Trump attempted to greet Mr. Kennedy with a handshake; however, Mr. Kennedy was preoccupied, leading Mr. Trump to overlook Ms. Hines’s outstretched hand, despite appearing to notice her.
Ms. Hines, taken aback, exchanged glances with her husband, and Mr. Kennedy later introduced Ms. Hines to Mr. Trump, resulting in a cordial conversation, though the initial snub quickly made its way across social media.
Mr. Trump remained for the five main card fights, which concluded around 1 a.m. Sunday.
Following the initial two bouts, the victorious fighters climbed the octagonal enclosure surrounding the ring, extending their arms to the captivated audience like gladiators. Mr. Trump pointed at them with approval as he smiled. Mr. Musk shared on X, the social media platform he owns, a video capturing a swift and powerful punch by California native Dominick Reyes against Ukrainian fighter Nikita Krylov, which marked the first bout Mr. Trump witnessed that night.
Post-fight, Mr. Reyes posed for photographs with Mr. Trump outside the ring.
In the subsequent match, Bryce Mitchell, an Arkansas-based fighter known for his long-standing support of Mr. Trump, faced off against Brazilian Jean Silva, ultimately losing the fight.
Earlier in the year, Mr. Mitchell faced significant backlash, including from Mr. White, after he referred to Adolf Hitler as a “good guy” who “fought for his country.” Mr. White described the remarks as “disgusting,” yet Mr. Mitchell faced no repercussions, with Mr. White citing free speech as the rationale. He later offered an apology for those comments.
Since launching his first Republican presidential campaign in 2016, Mr. Trump has embraced elements of the theatrics found in wrestling and U.F.C. during his rallies, incorporating playlists and theatrical entrances. His 2024 campaign heavily leveraged his extensive history hosting professional wrestling and U.F.C. events as a casino owner, along with the enthusiasm many fans have for him.
Saturday night offered a glimpse into the cultural and pro-Trump environment that played a role in propelling Mr. Trump back into office. Joe Rogan, the immensely popular podcaster based in Texas who recently conducted an extensive interview with Mr. Trump toward the end of the 2024 campaign, was seated nearby.
Traveling aboard Air Force One for a brief flight from Palm Beach, Fla., to Miami ahead of the fight, Mr. Trump linked his attendance at the event to a week filled with trade-related conflicts that left financial markets trembling.
“So we’re going to the fight,” Mr. Trump remarked. “There are many fights happening internationally, and I believe we’ll have some good news soon regarding some of those situations. It’s been quite the weekend, and I anticipate good developments concerning several conflicts.”
