Jon Jones sends Internet into a meltdown as he bows down and hands his UFC championship belt to Trump
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: UFC hardman Jon Jones sent fans into a frenzy as he bowed down and handed his championship belt to president-elect Donald Trump, moments after his win over Stipe Miocic at Madison Square Garden (MSG) on Saturday, November 16.
Jones admitted that the president-elect's presence in the crowd helped turn up the heat ahead of the clash, according to the Daily Mail.
JUST IN: 🇺🇸 UFC legend Jon Jones gives his championship belt to US President-elect Donald Trump after winning.
— BRICS News (@BRICSinfo) November 17, 2024
pic.twitter.com/78GNC0QAaT
Jon Jones bows down and hands his championship belt to Donald Trump
While conversing with Donald Trump cageside, the UFC champion said, "The nerves you added to this event. I was so nervous. I'm glad I impressed you."
The president-elect congratulated Jones for his knockout win by shaking his hand as the MMA fighter handed over his iconic belt to Trump.
In the close fight, Jones landed a spinning back kick to Miocic's rib cage at 4:29 in the third round which was the beginning of the end for the former champion, per the outlet.
“Jon Jones is talking to Elon about fighting on Mars” - Joe Rogan while Elon Musk & Donald Trump were congratulating World Heavyweight champion, Jon Jones 😂
— FearBuck (@FearedBuck) November 17, 2024
pic.twitter.com/bxCdEc34aC
Interestingly, Jones and Miocic were originally scheduled to headline 2023's Madison Square Garden event at UFC 295 before Jones pulled out with a shoulder injury.
The president-elect made a grand entrance at MSG for UFC 309 alongside Robert F Kennedy Jr, Elon Musk, and Dana White. He walked out to a roaring standing ovation before the start of the UFC pay-per-view card.
Trump also briefly danced to the Village People's 'YMCA' just outside the cage and also thrust his fist skyward as 'Takin' Care of Business' played.
Donald Trump hugs Joe Rogan at UFC 309
UFC host and podcaster Joe Rogan also joined Donald Trump at the event. The bromance between Donald Trump and Joe Rogan went a notch higher as the two shared a long hug at UFC 309 and shared a few words, as per Deadline.
Rogan formally endorsed Donald Trump one day before the November 5 election. His support came during an interview Rogan was conducting with Musk.
President-elect Donald Trump has arrived at MSG for #UFC309 pic.twitter.com/vVOjIkOsJW
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) November 17, 2024
A day before the UFC fight, there were rumors whether Trump would make an appearance. White told TMZ Sports on Friday that he thinks anything is possible.
He said, "When you think about fighter walkouts, whenever a fighter walks out to the [octagon], I mean, the two biggest that actually shake the arena are President Trump and Conor McGregor. If he comes [Saturday] night, it will definitely be fun."
Internet goes wild as Jon Jones hands his championship belt to Donald Trump
Social media users were impressed by Jon Jones' gesture as he bowed down and handed his championship belt to president-elect Donald Trump, moments after his win over Stipe Miocic.
A user wrote on X, "This is truly an unexpected and interesting gesture! Jon Jones, by giving his championship belt to Donald Trump, shows respect and support" while one added, "This IS beautiful for real.. amazing."
This is truly an unexpected and interesting gesture! Jon
— Gordeev Slava (@saqoducuxuce) November 17, 2024
Jones, by giving his championship belt to Donald Trump,
shows respect and support. Moments like these
highlight how sports can intersect with politics and
bring people together.
A person also stated, "Enough to make a grown man cry," whereas one mentioned, "Respect from one fighter to another. Awesome!"
A user also wrote, "This is a symbolic achievement for America," while one commented, "This is incredible."
"Jon Jones handing his championship belt to Trump isn't just about sports; it's a powerful symbol of respect from the athletic community towards Trump, showcasing his influence beyond politics into the realm of American culture and prowess," observed another user.
Jon Jones handing his championship belt to Trump isn't just about sports; it's a powerful symbol of respect from the athletic community towards Trump, showcasing his influence beyond politics into the realm of American culture and prowess.
— Gabriel🪽 (@TheGabriel72) November 17, 2024
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