Saturday night at Madison Square Garden in New York City became the backdrop for an unforgettable evening, not just for mixed martial arts enthusiasts but also for supporters of the U.S. President-elect, Donald Trump. The UFC 309 event was not only remarkable for Jon Jones's decisive victory over Stipe Miocic, but also for an unexpected spectacle: Jones celebrated his win by mimicking the distinct dance moves of the Republican politician.
Following this unique moment, Jones symbolically presented Trump with the championship belt, adding an unexpected twist to the night.
A Star-Studded Evening and Cheers for Trump
Trump, accompanied by Elon Musk, Dana White, and other members of his elected cabinet such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard, was warmly greeted as he entered the arena. The crowd chanted "USA, USA!" as the President-elect waved with his signature fist pump. Throughout the evening, Trump received several rounds of applause.
Enjoying the spectacle from the front row, Trump was seated alongside the Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, and the president of the UFC, Dana White. Notable figures like podcaster Joe Rogan and country singer Jelly Roll also shared brief interactions with him.
Jon Jones Shines in the Ring and Pays Tribute to Trump
The highlight of the night was undoubtedly the main event featuring Jon Jones against Stipe Miocic, a bout that once again affirmed Jones as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history. Jones defeated Miocic with a stunning technical knockout in the third round, finishing with a spinning kick to the former champion's midsection, leaving him unable to continue.
After securing his 29th victory in 30 matches, Jones celebrated in a special way. During his post-fight interview, he imitated Donald Trump's iconic dance and expressed his pride in being both an American and a Christian, while also extending gratitude to the President-elect: "I want to give a huge thanks to President Trump for being here tonight. How do you like my version of the Donald Trump dance? USA, USA, USA!" he exclaimed, met by cheers from the crowd.
A Symbolic Gesture and a Viral Moment
The night took an unexpected turn when Jones exited the octagon to greet Trump, offering him his championship belt as a gesture of respect. The relationship between Trump and the UFC is longstanding. For decades, the President-elect has been an avid follower of mixed martial arts, frequently attending events and maintaining a close friendship with Dana White, who has described Trump as "the toughest and most resilient human being I've ever met in my life."
Following his victory, Jones made it clear that his career is far from over, already eyeing potential matchups with contenders like Tom Aspinall or Alex Pereira.