Iconic moment as UFC hardman Jon Jones hands Donald Trump his championship belt and bows to the president-elect – sending fans wild
MMA fighter Jon ‘Bones’ Jones sent fans into a frenzy when he handed over his UFC championship belt to Donald Trump.
The heavyweight fighter bowed to the president-elect moments after his victory over Stipe Miocic at Madison Square Garden.
Trump was expected at ‘The World’s Most Famous Arena’, where he recently held a major campaign rally ahead of his November 5 election victory.
Jones admitted that the president-elect’s presence in the crowd heightened the tension ahead of the clash.
“The nerves you’ve added to this event,” he laughed as the two chatted at the cage. ‘I was so nervous. I’m glad I impressed you.’
Moments earlier, the champion had handed over his iconic belt to a beaming Trump, who in return offered him a handshake to congratulate him on his knockout victory.
Miocic put up a better fight than most expected in the titanic battle.
However, Jones landed a spinning kick to Miocic’s ribcage at 4:29 of the third round, marking the beginning of the end for the former champion.
MMA fighter Jon ‘Bones’ Jones handed over his UFC championship belt to Donald Trump, sending fans into meltdown
UFC fan Trump was expected at ‘The World’s Most Famous Arena’ and his appearance only heightened the drama
The most decorated UFC heavyweight folded from the body shot when Jones jumped him near the fence.
Referee Herb Dean then stepped in to separate the two and declared Jones the winner and defending champion.
Jones and Miocic were originally scheduled to headline last year’s Madison Square Garden event at UFC 295 before Jones withdrew with a shoulder injury.
It took 371 days for both men to finally battle for heavyweight gold in the Big Apple.
Trump’s appearance only increased the drama of the occasion.
The president-elect made a grand entrance into Madison Square Garden for UFC 309 alongside Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Elon Musk and, of course, Dana White.
He walked out to a thunderous standing ovation just before the start of the UFC pay-per-view card.
Trump and White took to their side seats for Kid Rock’s “American Bad Ass.”
The heavyweight fighter bowed to the president-elect moments after his victory over Stipe Miocic at Madison Square Gardens
Jones told Trump that his presence in the crowd made him “so nervous.”
UFC aired a video package about the former president’s road to regaining the White House, calling it “The Great Comeback in American History” as fans stood and applauded.
Trump, wearing a suit and red tie, pumped his fist at the crowd as the video ended.
The president-elect also briefly danced to the Village People’s “YMCA” just outside the cage. Later, he raised his fist again as “Takin’ Care of Business” played.
Besieged by nearby photographers and fans, Trump stood up to pose for photos with White, Musk and other aides in the breaks between fights.
Trump even had a brief conversation with country singer Jelly Roll after the pair shook hands.
Others from Trump’s inner circle were also in attendance, including informal “DOGE” appointee, Vivek Ramaswamy, who shared a photo of himself alongside Kid Rock.
Jon Jones scored a third-round TKO over Stipe Miocic to retain his title at UFC 309
Joe Rogan jumps out of his chair at the great Donald Trump upon his arrival at UFC 309 at MSG
President-elect Donald Trump, Kid Rock and Elon Musk pose for a photo during UFC 309
Donald Trump Jr. and his brother Eric lurked behind their father’s entourage, while National Intelligence candidate Tulsi Gabbard and House Speaker Mike Johnson were also spotted in the crowd.
Trump, however, made a good connection with announcer Joe Rogan, the podcaster who threw his support behind the president-elect after his appearance on his show days before the election.
Trump is a longtime UFC enthusiast and frequent participant in major fights, something he used to his advantage as he tried to connect with male voters.
