Trump, Elon Musk, and a Star-Studded Crew Show Up at UFC 314 in Miami

Miami, Florida (WE) – April 12, 2025 – The bright lights, roaring crowd, and high-octane energy of UFC 314 weren’t just about fists flying and belts on the line. This time, the night had an extra spark — and no, it wasn’t just the knockouts.

Former President Donald J. Trump made a grand entrance into the Kaseya Center in downtown Miami, and he wasn’t alone. With him was none other than tech billionaire Elon Musk, alongside some very familiar political faces including Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard. The moment they stepped into the arena, phones were out, flashes were popping, and chants filled the air.

Trump, a long-time fan of UFC and close friend of UFC president Dana White, has made appearances at several events over the years. Each time, he’s received warm — often thunderous — welcomes from the fight-loving crowd. Saturday night was no different.

A Big Night in the Octagon

The main attraction at UFC 314 was a high-stakes featherweight title bout: Alexander Volkanovski of Australia going up against Diego Lopes of Brazil. Fans had been buzzing for weeks, and the arena was packed to the rafters.

So, What’s the Hype About?

Volkanovski, the Aussie legend, had been on a rollercoaster lately. Once one of the most dominant champs in the UFC, he’d lost the belt after two tough knockout losses and took more than a year off to reset. Now, he was back — hungry and focused, ready to reclaim what he believed was still his.

Meanwhile, Diego Lopes came into the match on a hot streak. He’d won five straight fights, including a big-time victory over Brian Ortega, and had fans whispering that he might be the next big star in the division.

What made it even spicier? Ilia Topuria, who used to hold the featherweight title, had just vacated the belt to move up to lightweight. That opened the door for this epic showdown.

The Scene at Kaseya Center

If you’ve never been to the Kaseya Center, imagine a wild mix of roaring fans, giant screens, and non-stop action. UFC events are famous for their electric vibes, and Saturday night took things to another level.

By the time Trump and his crew arrived — around 9 p.m. — the undercard was already heating up. But the whole energy in the arena shifted once the former president’s entourage walked in. Cheers broke out. Cameras followed. People stood up from their seats just to catch a glimpse.

According to reports, Trump greeted fans and even took a few selfies on the way to his front-row spot — right beside Elon Musk.

Trump and UFC: A Love Story?

In case you didn’t know, Donald Trump and the UFC go way back. When the UFC was still finding its feet, Trump gave it a major boost by allowing events to be held at his casinos in Atlantic City.

Dana White has often praised Trump for supporting the sport when no one else would. So it’s no surprise that Trump continues to get invited to headline events — not as a fighter (imagine that!), but as a front-row guest of honor.

Elon Musk: Just a Fan or Future Fighter?

Elon Musk might be known for rockets and electric cars, but apparently, he’s also a big fan of MMA. Musk has trained in jiu-jitsu and even joked about fighting Mark Zuckerberg last year.

While that never happened, it’s clear the Tesla and SpaceX boss enjoys the sport. Sitting beside Trump, Musk looked totally at home — clapping, reacting to every big hit, and even talking shop with fellow VIPs.

He also posed for a few photos, though he mostly stayed low-key. But let’s be real — when Elon Musk walks into an event, he doesn’t exactly blend into the crowd.

Who Else Was There?

Aside from Trump and Musk, the guest list had a political flavor. Presidential hopeful Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and former congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard were also spotted near ringside. That’s quite the political lineup.

With three very different political personalities watching the same fight card, it almost felt like a debate stage — but instead of arguing, they were cheering on punches and submissions.

Drake and the “Curse”

In a weird but now-familiar twist, Canadian rapper Drake added some flavor to the night by placing a massive bet — a whopping $545,000 — on Volkanovski to win.

If you follow combat sports, you’ll know that whenever Drake bets on someone, they tend to lose. It’s become a running joke called the “Drake Curse.”

Still, Volkanovski had plenty of supporters, and Drake clearly wasn’t afraid to put his money down.

The Co-Main Event: Chandler vs. Pimblett

Before the featherweight war, fans were treated to a spicy lightweight matchup between Michael Chandler and Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett.

Chandler, a veteran with knockout power, came into the fight hoping to get back on track after some tough losses. Pimblett, on the other hand, had built a flashy undefeated streak and had tons of hype behind him.

It was a fight filled with fast hands, big hits, and wild scrambles — everything fans love about MMA. Whether you were rooting for the experience of Chandler or the flair of Pimblett, this one delivered.

Fight Night Rundown

Here’s a quick breakdown of the night’s biggest moments:

Main Event: Volkanovski vs. Lopes

• An intense back-and-forth battle.
• Volkanovski looked sharp despite the long layoff.
• Lopes pushed the pace, keeping things exciting.
• Winner: TBA — visit the official UFC site for results

Co-Main Event: Chandler vs. Pimblett

• Great stand-up exchanges.
• Pimblett’s movement kept Chandler guessing.
• [Winner: TBA]

Undercard Highlights

• Several knockouts had fans jumping out of their seats.
• Prelims featured up-and-coming stars showing serious promise.
• Early fights kicked off at 6 p.m. ET, with the main card starting at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

Trump, Politics, and the Power of UFC

Trump’s appearance at UFC events isn’t just about being a fan. It’s also part of a bigger strategy — connecting with average Americans in a setting where he gets genuine support.

UFC fans come from all walks of life, and many of them respect Trump’s no-nonsense style. Being seen at these events helps him stay visible and relatable as the 2024 election cycle ramps up.

The fact that he was joined by other prominent political figures shows just how much crossover UFC has with today’s culture and politics.

What’s Next?

UFC 314 will go down as one of the most star-packed events of the year — not just because of what happened in the Octagon, but because of who showed up ringside.

Trump, Musk, Kennedy, Gabbard, Drake… it almost felt like a UFC-Hollywood mashup. But above all, it was a celebration of the sport — the fighters, the fans, and the energy that only MMA can deliver.

As for Trump, don’t be surprised if he pops up again at UFC 315, 316, or maybe even every one after that. At this point, he’s practically part of the show.

Final Thoughts

UFC 314 had everything: epic fights, a fired-up crowd, and some of the biggest names in America. Whether you’re a fight fan, a politics junkie, or just here for the celebrity sightings, there was something for everyone.

And with the featherweight title up for grabs, plus Elon Musk sitting next to Donald Trump, it’s safe to say UFC 314 will be talked about for a long time.

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