UFC President Dana White to Bolster Trump’s ‘Fighter’ Image at RNC Finale

UFC President Dana White will take the stage on Thursday night to introduce Donald Trump as he officially accepts the Republican presidential nomination. This follows an assassination attempt on Trump, adding a dramatic backdrop to the event. White, known for his unfiltered and brash style, shares a long-standing friendship with Trump, dating back to 2001.

Their friendship began when the UFC was struggling, and Trump offered his support by hosting events at his Trump Taj Mahal casino. This helped boost the UFC’s profile, eventually transforming it into a $12.3 billion global powerhouse. White has remained a loyal supporter, praising Trump’s business instincts and work ethic during previous RNC speeches.

White’s endorsement of Trump is rooted in their shared persona of being fighters. He describes Trump as “the ultimate American badass,” a sentiment echoed in his speeches at the RNC in 2016 and 2020. White’s unapologetic approach to mixing business with politics has only strengthened his bond with Trump.

Despite controversies, including a public incident involving his wife, White continues to stand by Trump. He has hosted Trump at multiple UFC events, where the former president received enthusiastic receptions from the crowd. These events often feature Trump making dramatic, fighter-style entrances, underscoring his tough-guy image.

The UFC, with its hyper-masculine and often conservative-leaning fighter base, aligns well with Trump’s campaign image. While other sports have distanced themselves from Trump, the UFC remains a steadfast supporter, providing a platform for Trump to connect with his base.

Trump’s recent appearances at UFC events have been marked by strong support from the audience. However, replicating this level of adoration in other sports arenas has proven challenging. Despite this, White’s endorsement remains a significant boost for Trump’s campaign.

The attempted assassination at a recent rally has further galvanized support for Trump among his base. White’s upcoming speech is expected to reinforce Trump’s image as a resilient and tough leader, a theme central to his campaign.