Being one of the most dominant fighters in MMA history has its benefits.
Reigning UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones stunned with a spectacular spinning back kick finish over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in November 2024, leaving a great impression on many celebrities in attendance, including President-elect Donald Trump.
However, ‘Bones’ went one further by mimicking Trump’s viral victory dance, much to the amusement of commentator Joe Rogan and Trump, who shook the champion’s hand and held his belt. Little did Jones know that this gesture of support would not be forgotten.
Jon Jones says he was personally invited to Trump inauguration
Footage captured by Backgrid on January 20 shows Jones on his way to Trump’s presidential inauguration after being “invited by the President.”
“It’s called being a proud American,” Jones explained why he was there. “. . . It’s a really cool time to be in the UFC, be an American, be a champion, getting invited by the President it’s kind of a big deal. . . . I was personally invited by our President, and that’s a sign that you gotta get up and get out.”
Donald Trump’s connection with the UFC explained simply
Trump has had a mutually beneficial relationship with UFC CEO Dana White for nearly three decades. The UFC had plateaued in popularity in the 1990s and attracted the attention of lawmakers like Senator John McCain, who began a campaign against the barbaric sport he referred to as “human cockfighting.”
Due to this, the UFC and its executives were on the edge of bankruptcy at the time, struggling to host events as numerous states outlawed MMA. As such, the executives sold the UFC to Station Casinos owners Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta and their business partner Dana White.
Under this new lead, the UFC gained access to license its events in Nevada, which led to Trump agreeing to host UFC 30 and 31 at his Trump Taj Mahal Casino. These events were the first held by the new owners and marked a major cornerstone in the promotion’s development. As a result, White credits Trump for the UFC’s continued success, and they’ve stayed loyal to each other ever since.