UFC Fans React to Donald Trump Ahead of O’Malley-Dvalishvili Fight Preview

The city of Newark, New Jersey was abuzz on Saturday night as UFC fans flocked to the Prudential Center for a headline bout between Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O'Malley. However, the electrifying atmosphere inside the arena wasn’t just about the fight card — former President Donald Trump made a high-profile appearance that turned heads and sent ripples of excitement through the crowd.

Without any official announcement, anticipation for Trump's arrival grew as rumors swirled among attendees. When he finally entered the arena alongside UFC CEO Dana White, the reaction from the crowd was unmistakable: a thunderous ovation echoed throughout the venue, underscoring Trump’s enduring popularity among mixed martial arts fans. Dana White’s visible support for Trump added yet another layer of spectacle to an already high-energy event.

Prior to the main event, conversations among fans centered not only on the fighters, but also on Trump’s tenure during the early months of his second term in office. Opinions varied widely, with some attendees expressing strong support for the president’s leadership. Erin Kerr remarked, "He's doing an amazing job. He's shocking us all, but he's doing what everybody knows he's going to do. Wow." Meanwhile, Eric Ventura emphasized respect for Trump, noting, "He's always honest about things... we should kind of respect what's going on."

Not every fan was focused on Trump, however. For some, the night was simply about witnessing elite combat sports. "I'd much rather see the UFC than see two bloated billionaires fight each other," said Paul Gordon, highlighting the preference of many for the genuine athleticism on display over the idea of hypothetical celebrity matchups.

The conversation also turned light-hearted as fans debated how Trump might fare in a fantasy matchup against tech billionaire Elon Musk. Chris Wright quipped about Trump’s resilience, saying, "Trump — he's got that big a-- chin," while Gustavo Granados referenced Trump’s well-publicized survival after an assassination attempt: "If you just take a bullet, maybe you can take a punch." Some suggested Musk’s youth could give him the edge, while others felt Trump’s grit would make him the favorite.

Ultimately, the focus returned to the spectacle at hand. As chants erupted and camera flashes lit up the stands, Trump basked in the spotlight, enjoying the energy of the crowd and reinforcing his close ties with the UFC community. The night served as a reminder of the unique intersection between politics and pop culture, with the octagon once again proving to be more than just a stage for sport — but a venue where power, celebrity, and fandom converge.