Mixed martial artist Jon ‘Bon’ Jones might have lifted the UFC heavyweight championship belt at Madison Square Garden last night – but he was more than happy to cede the limelight to someone else.
That honour went to US President-elect Donald Trump, 78, who brought some of his closest political allies to take in the pay-per-view UFC 309 card between Jones and Stipe Miocic on Saturday.
As Jones lifted the belt, Trump – dressed in his trademark blue suit and red tie – looked delighted to be offered the chance to hold it for himself.
He looked down at the gold and gemstone-studded belt and grinned – as Jones, widely thought one of the finest fighters in UFC history, raised his arms victoriously.
Moments earlier, he had broken out into Trump’s signature dance – a vague hip wiggle and pumping of his arms – that the businessman regularly performed to the Village People’s YMCA on the campaign trail.
Among the 47th President-to-be’s company in New York was Elon Musk – newly appointed to Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) – Kid Rock and his nominated health secretary and famed vaccine sceptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
And as he strolled into ‘The World’s Most Famous Area’, the President-elect made a beeline for Joe Rogan, the UFC commentator whose podcast almost certainly helped the Apprentice star back into the White House.
He was also seen alongside Dana White, the UFC CEO who lent his support to Trump throughout the Republican nominee’s campaign against Kamala Harris and has been staunch ally throughout the years.
Trump’s sons Eric and Donald Jr were also spotted in the crowd, as was House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson, Democrat turned Republican Tulsi Gabbard and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, another DOGE appointee.
