President Donald Trump turned UFC 316 into a political and cultural spectacle Saturday night, receiving a thunderous hero’s welcome as he entered the arena in Newark, New Jersey, to Kid Rock’s “American Badass.”

The sold-out crowd at the Prudential Center erupted the moment Trump appeared, with fans roaring and phones shooting skyward to capture his entrance. The moment was pure electricity—a sea of cheers, chants, and patriotic energy rarely seen at a sporting event.

Trump made his way to the octagon floor and was greeted by none other than boxing icon Mike Tyson, as well as UFC commentators Joe Rogan, Jon Anik, and Daniel Cormier. Then he took his place ringside next to longtime ally UFC President Dana White.

This wasn’t just a casual night out. Trump was surrounded by a who’s-who of MAGA-world heavyweights: Eric Trump, Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba all flanked the former president in what looked more like a victory tour than a night at the fights.

The high-octane display wasn’t lost on the athletes either.

After securing a hard-fought decision victory over Kelvin Gastelum, American middleweight Joe “Bodybags” Pyfer wrapped himself in the Stars and Stripes and paid tribute to Trump in front of a roaring crowd. “We got a freakin’ president of the United States, we got Mike Tyson, and I’m repping USA and everybody in my home town! Let’s go!” he shouted into the mic.

Pyfer’s salute to Trump echoed the overwhelming mood of the arena—pride, energy, and appreciation for the 45th (and potentially 47th) president.

This isn’t the first time Trump has been front and center at a UFC event, and it likely won’t be the last. His ongoing alliance with Dana White and friendship with fighters like Jorge Masvidal have cemented Trump as a fan favorite in the combat sports world. But this appearance hit differently—coming at a moment when Trump is facing down political rivals, legal fights, and a volatile media landscape.

Still, none of that seemed to matter on Saturday night. The crowd wasn’t chanting about courtrooms or cable news narratives. They were cheering for Trump like he just walked into a title bout—and in a sense, he had.

For Trump, UFC 316 wasn’t just a photo op. It was a full-on affirmation that he remains a magnetic force in American culture, capable of commanding adoration from coast to coast—and especially from the kinds of working-class, patriotic, sports-loving Americans who make up the UFC base.

In an age where so many political leaders struggle to connect with real people outside the Beltway, Trump walked into a cage fight in New Jersey and left like a champion.