On June 7, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump made a headline-grabbing appearance at UFC 316, held at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. As one of the most recognizable faces in the mixed martial arts world, Trump returned to his traditional ringside perch—this time solo, amid heightened expectations and real-world drama. The White House confirmed Trump’s attendance the day prior, with oddsmakers even setting him as a -200 favorite to show up. Predictably, at around 10 p.m. ET, he emerged from the tunnel alongside UFC CEO Dana White—a longstanding ally since UFC's early days—earning a roaring ovation from the sold-out crowd.

Strikingly absent was Elon Musk, a familiar companion at past fights. The two have been locked in a public spat this week, and Musk did not join Trump for this outing. Despite the drama, Trump basked in the energy, greeted by chants of “USA!” as fans waved phones and cheered. Though Musk sat this one out, Trump wasn’t completely alone. He dined front row with Dana White, former world champion Mike Tyson, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and other notable figures including Ivanka and Eric Trump, Jared Kushner, and Joe Rogan.

The moment went viral across platforms, with mixed reactions. Some fans praised the spectacle as “epic,” while others found it borderline “cringe”. Inside the cage—momentarily diverting attention from political rivalries—the audience was reminded of Trump’s enduring charisma and connection to sports fans. The evening featured a pair of major title fights: Main Event: Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili squared off against Sean O’Malley. Co-Main: Women’s Bantamweight bout between Julianna Peña and Kayla Harrison.

In the prelims, Kevin Holland secured a submission win and made his way to Trump’s seat post-victory, exchanging brief words. Meanwhile, Yoo Joo-sang thrilled fans with an early knockout. Notably, Trump’s appearance coincided with controversy back in California—namely, a National Guard deployment to handle immigration-related protests. He left those matters behind for the evening, instead enjoying the charged atmosphere of UFC 316.

Trump’s presence was more than a casual outing. A figure deeply associated with UFC’s rise, he originally provided venues like Trump Taj Mahal to help the sport flourish. His appearance underlines both his political capital and his role in combat sports culture—an intersection that continues to resonate. Trump’s return to UFC 316 encapsulates his larger-than-life persona—a blend of prestige, performance, and spectacle. Against a backdrop of political skirmishes and international headlines, he reclaimed the ringside atmosphere with characteristic flair. Whether celebrated or criticized, his presence reaffirmed his influence beyond politics—and reminded the world that at UFC events, anything can happen, both inside and outside the cage.