(Luis Cornelio, Headline USA) Former President Donald J. Trump made a surprised appearance at UFC 287 in Miami, FL where he was met with a standing ovation, prolonged applauses and an energetic “U-S-A, U-S-A!” chant.
Trump made the unannounced visit to the Miami-based Kaseya Center in support of UFC President Dana White and UFC star Jorge Masvidal on Saturday night.
In a viral video posted on Twitter showing Trump entering the UFC arena, the crowd can be heard erupting in praise of the former president as he waved at the arena.
“President Donald Trump is in the house for UFC 287! God bless @danawhite!” social media influencer Shane Ginsberg tweeted.
President Donald Trump is in the house for UFC 287! God bless @danawhite! pic.twitter.com/eGaghS9dZe
— shaneyyricch (@shaneyyricch) April 9, 2023
Masvidal and Trump have formed a friendship over the years, Fox News reported on Sunday.
Masvidal praised Trump in an on-stage interview with UFC commentator Joe Rogan, calling him the “greatest President in the history of the world” and getting the crowd to chant “Let’s Go Brandon,” a slam against President Joe Biden.
“Also, I want to say, greatest president in the history of the world sitting right there. I love that guy,” said Masvidal. “Let’s keep Florida free, a red state and let’s take that –you know who— ‘Let’s Go Brandon’ the m*****f***er out of power and replace him.”
Jorge Masvidal gives President Trump legendary shoutout at UFC Miami as the “greatest President in the history of the world,” then gets entire arena chanting “Let’s Go Brandon” in thunderous chorus after announcing retirement🔥🔥🔥
This is so epic. pic.twitter.com/VijuvzSb1c
— Danny De Urbina (@dannydeurbina) April 9, 2023
The UFC fight was a historic night for Masvidal, who announced his retirement following a defeat, The Washington Examiner reported. “I love every here,” Masvidal said to the crowd. “This is where I started my career. It’s been a long 20 years, 50-some fights. Sometimes your favorite basketball player don’t have that 3-pointer no more. Your favorite quarterback loses that rifle. I don’t feel the same when I get in here no more. It’s been 20 long years.”
“I don’t feel the same when I get in here anymore, it’s been 20 long years.”
Jorge Masvidal calls it a career in his hometown. #UFC287 pic.twitter.com/G1i2v5SJo4
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 9, 2023
Trump remains heavily popular among Republicans and currently leads the polls for the GOP nomination for president in the 2024 election.
A March poll by Quinnipiac University found Trump winning 46% of votes in a potential GOP primary, leading Governor Ron DeSantis, R-Flo., who received 32 of support.
