Being one of the most dominant fighters in MMA history has its perks.
Reigning UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones stunned Stipe Miocic with a spectacular spinning back kick finish at UFC 309 in November 2024, leaving a big impression on many celebrities in attendance, including President-elect Donald Trump.
However, “Bones” took it a step further by recreating 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, this gesture of support would not be forgotten.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Jon Jones says he was personally invited to Trump's inauguration
Footage captured by Backgrid on January 20 shows Jones heading to Trump's presidential inauguration after being “invited by the president.”
“That's called being a proud American,” Jones explained why he was there. “. . . It's a really cool time to be in the UFC, to be an American, to be a champion, to be invited by the president, it's kind of a big deal. . . . I have been personally invited by our president, and that is a sign that you should get up and leave.”
Jon Jones, the UFC champion, said he was personally invited by President Trump to attend his inauguration.
Despite the criticism other celebrities have received, Jones stated that he felt it was his duty to attend. He also said he once gave Trump his championship belt… pic.twitter.com/L1JeE90JuB
— backgridus (@BackgridUS) January 20, 2025
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Donald Trump's connection to the UFC is explained simply
Trump has maintained a mutually beneficial relationship with UFC CEO Dana White for nearly three decades. The UFC had become increasingly popular in the 1990s, attracting the attention of lawmakers like Senator John McCain, who began a campaign against the barbaric sport he called “human cockfighting.”
As a result, the UFC and its executives were on the brink of bankruptcy at the time and were struggling to organize events as numerous states banned 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 leadership, the UFC gained access to licensing of its events in Nevada, leading 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 were an important cornerstone in the development of the promotion. As a result, White credits Trump for the UFC's continued success, and they have remained loyal to each other ever since.
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