Former President Donald Trump made a surprising appearance at UFC 302 on Saturday night, just days after being convicted in a New York City courtroom. The event took place a mere 10 miles away from the scene of his recent legal troubles, but Trump was met with a warm reception from the packed crowd at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ.
Standing Ovation and Support from MMA Fans
As Trump entered the arena, he was accompanied by UFC President Dana White and a group of Secret Service agents. The crowd erupted into a rousing standing ovation as the former president made his way to his seat. The display of support was evident as many of the near-17k MMA fans cheered and applauded Trump’s presence.
While Joe Rogan praised the overwhelming round of applause for Trump, not everyone in attendance shared the same sentiment. Jets star quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who was seated with former teammate Marcedes Lewis, notably did not stand up or show any signs of support for Trump. Rodgers has ties to Trump’s opponent Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who considered him as a potential running mate before choosing Nicole Shanahan instead.
Despite the controversy surrounding Trump’s visit, he received acknowledgments from fighters such as Kevin Holland and Sean Strickland after their respective victories. Holland even approached Trump to exchange words, showing a level of respect for the 2024 presidential candidate.
Surprising Support Following Legal Troubles
Trump’s appearance at UFC 302 came shortly after being convicted on 34 criminal counts in a New York City courthouse. However, the warm reception and support he received from the MMA crowd in New Jersey indicate that his legal troubles have not diminished his appeal among certain segments of the population.
Donald Trump’s unexpected presence at UFC 302 sparked a mix of reactions from fans and celebrities alike. Despite facing legal challenges, the former president continues to enjoy support and admiration from certain groups, as evidenced by the enthusiastic reception he received at the event.
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