Trump Joins Forces With UFC to Showcase His Fighting Spirit
Former President Donald Trump’s connection to the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) aligns with his image as a champion for working-class Americans, according to Axios. Trump has continued to show support for the UFC as he campaigns for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. At a recent UFC event in Las Vegas, several fighters celebrated their victories by acknowledging Trump. With the majority of UFC’s audience being young and male, the sport provides a natural platform for Trump, whose campaign sees young white men as a supportive demographic. Trump also credits fighters like Jorge Masvidal for helping him gain support from Latino voters in Florida during the 2020 election. Trump frequently reaches out to UFC president Dana White to discuss fights and is said to be a fan of UFC fighters Masvidal and Colby Covington. Trump’s association with the UFC goes back to when his hotels hosted UFC events at a time when the sport was considered too violent by many. Additionally, Trump has a connection to WWE through his friendship with Ari Emanuel, whose agency owns UFC and WWE. Vince McMahon, the former CEO and chairman of WWE, was a top donor to the Trump Foundation, and Linda McMahon, his estranged wife, served in Trump’s administration and chaired his 2020 campaign’s super PAC. Trump has been a fan of professional wrestling since childhood.
