Donald Trump and US secretary of state Marco Rubio attended a UFC event in Miami on Saturday night, as peace talks with Iran failed on the other side of the world.
Trump arrived at the Kaseya Center shortly after 9pm with several members of his family and UFC chief Dana White, who has supported the president since his first term. The president has long been a fan of mixed martial arts, and his appearance at the event came as part of that ongoing connection to the sport.
Seated nearby were Rubio, US ambassador to India Sergio Gor, rapper Vanilla Ice and former FBI deputy director Dan Bongino. Ivanka Trump and Donald Trump Jr were also at the event.
The gathering placed a number of political and media figures in the same venue as one of the sport’s best-known organisations. The event took place in Miami as diplomatic efforts involving Iran were faltering elsewhere.
Trump’s presence at the UFC card once again highlighted his long-running interest in mixed martial arts and his relationship with key figures in the UFC. Dana White, who was with Trump as he entered the arena, has been a visible supporter of the president since his first term.
The Miami appearance drew attention not only because of the high-profile attendees, but also because it came on a night when international developments were unfolding outside the arena. While the fights continued in Florida, talks with Iran were reported to have failed.
The event underscored the overlap between politics, celebrity and sport that has often surrounded UFC appearances involving Trump. With family members, administration figures and public personalities in attendance, the night had the feel of a high-profile social gathering as much as a sporting event.
Trump entered the Kaseya Center shortly after 9pm, and the seating nearby included figures from his political circle as well as entertainers and former law enforcement officials. The attendance list reflected the broad range of guests commonly drawn to major UFC events, particularly when Trump is present.
The president’s appearance in Miami came during a period of international tension, but the source account offered only the details of the event itself and the breakdown of the Iran peace talks elsewhere. No further information about the talks was provided in the item.
