Trump Hits Another Sporting Event

Days after getting booed at World Series, Trump gets warmer reception at UFC bout in NYC
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Nov 3, 2019 7:04 AM CST
Updated Nov 3, 2019 7:21 AM CST
UFC Gets a Fan-in-Chief
President Trump looks on during UFC 244 mixed martial arts fights, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in New York.   (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)

President Trump was on his feet for the main event as Jorge Masvidal defeated a bloodied Nate Diaz via TKO before the fourth round at UFC 244 at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson wrapped a crudely named, made-for-PPV baddest man in MMA title belt around Masvidal's waist as nearly 20,000 fans howled in protest of the quick finish. Trump and his adult sons stood as Masvidal took quick control and pounded on Diaz. Diaz had a gash open over his right eye, reports the AP, his face bloodied as he lay on his back trying to kick away Diaz. The assigned doctor stopped the fight just before the fourth round. WWE theme music hit. Trump, who became the first president to attend a UFC card, appeared pleased, staying for the entire 4-plus hour show. He received a mixed reaction, though nothing as derisive as the boos and "Lock him up!" chants last week at the World Series.

The packed house at the Garden stood and had their phones out, craning their necks to catch a glimpse of the president as he took his cageside seat. Trump smiled and waved to fans as AC/DC's "Back in Black" was blasted over the speakers shortly before the start of the 10pm event. Trump sat with sons Donald Jr. and Eric, several congressional Republicans, and sports personalities just out of range of potential blood splatter. Derrick Lewis won his heavyweight bout and gave Trump a shoutout from inside the cage, saying "I know everything ain't going so good in the White House. You gotta turn that ... around in 2020." Protesters outside MSG chanted "Danger, danger, there's a Fascist in the White House," over a bullhorn and held signs that read "Trump/Pence Out Now!"

(More Ultimate Fighting Championship stories.)

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