The former US President, Donald Trump, is popularly known to be a big fan of mixed martial arts and a close friend of UFC boss Dana White. He also boasts the support of many popular UFC fighters.
Donald Trump’s affiliation with the UFC goes back to 2001, when he hosted two events at his former Trump Taj Mahal in New Jersey, earning credit for contributing to the company’s early growth. UFC, which was purchased for $2 million just two decades ago, sold for a remarkable $4 billion four years ago.
Trump mentions Dana White at his event. pic.twitter.com/kq2X7pT898
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) September 14, 2020
Veterans of the MMA scene acknowledge Trump for his enduring loyalty and passion for the sport. However, those current and former fighters supporting him today emphasize that his charisma and tenacity are his most captivating qualities.
The most popular fighter openly supporting Donald Trump is, for sure, top welterweight contender Colby Covington. He even visited the White House in 2018 along with Dana White, back when Trump was president.
However, let us have a look at the fighters other than Covington who did not shy away from showing their support for the former US head.
4. Jorge Masvidal
Jorge Masvidal, the former UFC star, has been a devoted supporter of Donald Trump for an extended period of time. His association with the former US President goes beyond a casual acquaintance and is characterized by deep affection and broad public endorsement.
Throughout Trump’s time in office, ‘Gamebred‘ consistently expressed his admiration for the 45th US president’s leadership qualities, policies, and what he perceived as the positive impact of Trump’s administration on the American people. In the 2020 US presidential election, the former BMF titleholder actively campaigned for Trump, participating in rallies and passionately endorsing Trump’s candidacy.
3. Justin Gaethje
The top UFC lightweight contender and current BMF title holder is also a big Donald Trump supporter. In 2020, Gaethje joined fellow MMA figures such as Henry Cejudo, Colby Covington, UFC president Dana White, and MMA manager Ali Abdelaziz in attending one of Trump’s rallies. They even captured a group photo with Trump.
‘The Highlight’ previously spoke with TMZ Sports, disclosing that following his bout at UFC 291, he received a phone call from former U.S. president Donald Trump. Gaethje shared that Trump commended his performance that night and extended an invitation for a round of golf.
2. Henry Cejudo
Former UFC double champ and Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo also supports Donald Trump. During an interview on ‘Eyes on the Game’ with host Helen Yee, former UFC Flyweight and Bantamweight Champion Henry Cejudo expressed his endorsement for the President of the United States, Donald Trump. He was also one of the few fighters to attend Trump’s political rally.
1. Kamaru Usman
Former UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman is also one of the most popular faces in the MMA scene to have openly extended his support to the businessman turned-politician. Usman tweeted in 2019: “We all bleed the same. This was also for the “UNITED” States of America!! I’m taking this belt to the whites house”.
We all bleed the same. This was also for the “UNITED” States of America!! I’m taking this belt to the whites house @danawhite @realDonaldTrump pic.twitter.com/7Vc4p6stUf
— KAMARU USMAN (@USMAN84kg) December 15, 2019
Even Donald Trump has revealed on several occasions that ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ is one of his favorite fighters in the UFC.