Trump says ‘no women in the crowd’ at White House UFC event was ‘nice’

WASHINGTON, DC: The White House's star-studded UFC showcase delivered no shortage of spectacle, but Donald Trump chose to rejoice over the apparent absence of women in the audience.

The 80-year-old president, known for his controversial takes, was addressing a rally in Macungie, Pennsylvania, when he blurted out, “No women in the crowd,” at UFC Freedom 250 was “nice.”

The White House transformed into a UFC arena on June 14, hosting UFC Freedom 250 as part of the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations and Trump's 80th birthday festivities.

Trump fixates on the fighters’ muscles

During the latter half of the approximately 90-minute speech, Trump introduced pro-MAGA UFC stars Bo Nickal and Anthony Cassar onto the stage.

After they took turns praising Trump, the Republican leader seized the spotlight, launching into a spirited riff about the White House UFC spectacle that included an unexpected tribute to one specific "muscle."

"I mean, these are the strongest, toughest men on Earth," Trump said, referring to the UFC fighters. He added, "No women in the crowd, which is nice. But these are the toughest men on Earth, and it's tremendous pressure." 

The president continued speaking about the athletes and their physiques.

"And you know, the muscles, you got the muscles, you guys, you got the big strong muscles, but you got this muscle, too," he said, gesturing toward his brain. "Because it takes much more than just the normal muscle to win those matches."

Trump then went on to argue that there is "a genius" behind UFC fighting and sports in general, adding that it is something "a lot of people wouldn't understand."

Trump claims he could defeat Bo Nickal

During the rally, Trump made another eyebrow-raising claim when he argued that he could compete against UFC fighter Bo Nickal, saying he believed he had a physical advantage because of his size and weight.

“A very special guest who you just saw on the highest-rated fight show ever in the history of television, the UFC Freedom 250,” the president said, highlighting the fighter’s recent appearance at the UFC Freedom 250 event.

“So this guy, I just have to set it up a little bit if I don't... Because I'm thinking, you know, I'm a similar size. I'm actually, I weigh more than he does, actually. So therefore, I have a tremendous physical advantage over him,” he continued.

Trump went on to compare himself with Nickal, conceding that the fighter's muscles were "slightly harder and slightly younger," but insisting he could still keep up because he considered himself "a great athlete."

The 80-year-old also referenced his golf ability while joking about how he would fare against the professional fighter. “He knows I'm a very good golfer. And I'm much better off on the golf course against him than I'm on the wrestling mat,” Trump said. 

“But he went virtually undefeated. I mean, he went four years. He was the top wrestler,” he added. “Bo Nickal went, I mean, you couldn't defeat the guy.”