US President Donald Trump created a significant stir with a dramatic entrance at UFC 316 in Newark, New Jersey, on Saturday, June 7, 2025. Accompanied by UFC President Dana White, his arrival at the Prudential Center momentarily set aside his public feud with tech billionaire Elon Musk, as he took his cageside seat with family and political allies.

Trump walked through the octagon tunnel to the sounds of Kid Rock’s “American Bad Ass,” drawing a roaring standing ovation from the crowd. Fans inside the venue erupted with cheers, many raising their arms to capture photos and videos with flashing phones, with some describing the moment as “legendary.” As he made his way to his seat, Trump shook hands with people along the perimeter of the octagon.

Among those greeted by Trump were former world heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson and UFC commentator Joe Rogan, with whom he shared a handshake. Rogan had previously hosted Trump for an extensive podcast interview during the final phase of the previous year's campaign. The President’s entourage included his daughter Ivanka Trump, her husband Jared Kushner, his son Eric Trump, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Trump's connection with Dana White and the UFC is long-standing, dating back over two decades to 2001, when White organized a UFC event at Trump’s former Atlantic City casino, the Trump Taj Mahal. Since then, Trump has frequently attended high-profile UFC matches, especially during pivotal political moments. While Elon Musk had joined him at previous events, he was notably absent this time due to a reported fracture in their friendship. Instead, Trump was supported by loyal figures from both the political arena and the fight world, including, at various times, musician Kid Rock and former Fox News host Tucker Carlson.

The public and online response to Trump's appearance was immediate and highly polarized. Supporters celebrated the entrance, with his walkout quickly going viral. It was characterized by some online with phrases like “MAN. MYTH. LEGEND.” One user on social media posted, “President Trump makes an EPIC entrance with Dana White at UFC in Newark, and the crowd went WILD. What a LEGEND.” Another highlighted the “electric atmosphere,” while some netizens described Trump's UFC walkouts as “mind-blowing, hysterical, and epic.”

Conversely, critics found the appearance “cringe and lame,” with some calling it a “waste of taxpayers’ money.” Several online commentators juxtaposed Trump's presence at the sporting event with pressing national concerns, specifically referencing his administration's deployment of 2,000 California National Guard troops to manage riots in Los Angeles. “Hoping those 2,000 Guard members can help restore peace in LA safely,” one user commented, while another wrote, “A little calling out of the National Guard with a little good time at the UFC fights. All in a day’s work. I voted for this!”

Back inside the Prudential Center, the UFC action continued. In the opening bout witnessed by Trump, fighter Kevin Holland secured a submission victory over Vicente Luque. Following his win, Holland climbed the cage and approached Trump and Dana White to shake hands and exchange a few words before his official post-fight interview. The UFC 316 card also featured two championship bouts, with Julianna Peña and Merab Dvalishvili scheduled to defend their respective 135-pound titles.

Despite the scheduled fights, for many in attendance and observing online, President Trump’s walkout became the dominant highlight of the evening. His appearance once again demonstrated his strategy of utilizing high-profile sporting events to create a significant political impression, effectively making his presence the main event.