Donald Trump made a surprise appearance at UFC 302 on Saturday night, just days after being convicted in a New York City courtroom. The former president walked into the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, accompanied by UFC President Dana White and a team of Secret Service agents. Despite the recent legal troubles, Trump received a rousing standing ovation from the near-17k MMA fans in attendance.
Joe Rogan, who was commentating at the event, noted the overwhelming round of applause that Trump received as he made his way to his seat. Many fans inside the arena showed their support by cheering and shaking hands with the former president. However, not everyone in the crowd was thrilled to see Trump, as Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers remained seated and didn’t appear to show any enthusiasm.
It’s interesting to note that Aaron Rodgers, who was seated with former teammate Marcedes Lewis, has ties to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a political opponent of Trump. Despite rumors of Rodgers being considered as a running mate by RFK Jr., he ultimately chose Nicole Shanahan for the role. This political backdrop added an extra layer of intrigue to Trump’s appearance at the event.
Several UFC fighters, including Kevin Holland and Sean Strickland, showed their support for Trump by approaching him and exchanging words after their respective wins. The presence of the former president added a unique dynamic to the event and created a buzz among the fighters and fans in attendance.
It’s worth mentioning that Trump’s appearance at UFC 302 came shortly after being convicted on multiple criminal counts in a New York City courthouse. Despite the legal fallout, the standing ovation and positive reception he received at the event suggest that his appeal remains strong within certain circles, especially among the MMA crowd in New Jersey.
Donald Trump’s surprise appearance at UFC 302 was met with a mix of cheers and support from fans, while also sparking curiosity and speculation due to his recent legal troubles and political connections. The event served as a platform for the former president to interact with supporters and detractors alike, showcasing the complex and multifaceted nature of his public persona.
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