Despite being one of the most divisive personalities in American politics, Donald Trump enjoys notable popularity as a celebrity in mixed martial arts, particularly within the UFC. He regularly appears at events alongside notable figures like Elon Musk and Kid Rock, consistently receiving a warm reception from fans. This admiration is also shared by fighters associated with the organization, which features some of the planet’s top athletes. From publicly endorsing Trump’s presidential campaign to mingling with elite fighters, he has fostered notable connections in the sport.
Prominent UFC Supporters of Trump: Henry Cejudo
Few names in the UFC hold as much prestige as former double champion Henry Cejudo. An Olympic gold medalist and a dominant figure, he achieved remarkable success by winning both flyweight and bantamweight championships. Although he stepped back from competition for three years, Cejudo made a comeback in 2023 at UFC 288, where he lost to Aljamain Sterling. He has since faced two additional defeats, bouncing back into the scene with a strong reputation.
Although his competitive days may be behind him, Cejudo remains a highly respected name in the UFC. His celebrity status enabled him to interact with Trump multiple times, including receiving a personal invitation to speak at one of his rallies. Cejudo has been a vocal supporter of Trump, leveraging his online platforms to encourage voters to back the politician. Recently, they met at the 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championship Finals, where Cejudo informed Trump about his plans to retire after his next fight.
UFC Supporters of Trump: Jorge Masvidal
In the realm of swift ascents to fame within mixed martial arts, Jorge Masvidal stands out. After a brief hiatus from 2017 to 2019, he experienced meteoric success, winning against prominent fighters like Darren Till, Ben Askren, and Nate Diaz, and becoming the inaugural BMF champion. Unfortunately, he faced a streak of setbacks afterward, concluding his fighting career at UFC 287.
Masvidal has been one of Trump’s most influential supporters, actively participating in a 2023 rally in Florida that Trump highlighted as crucial for his outreach to Hispanic voters. Given that Miami is Masvidal’s hometown and a frequent venue for major UFC events, his endorsement played a significant role in shaping local sentiments ahead of the election.
UFC Supporters of Trump: Colby Covington
In discussions of the most accomplished UFC competitors yet to claim undisputed championship gold, Colby Covington often emerges at the forefront. Covington, known as “Chaos,” has distinguished himself in the welterweight division, boasting wins against players like Rafael dos Anjos and Robbie Lawler. While he has contended for the undisputed title several times, he has not secured the championship. His most recent bout ended in a defeat at the hands of Joaquin Buckley.
Covington is notably one of Trump’s favorite athletes; the former president has even photographed him in the Oval Office. Trump’s support has been evident throughout Covington’s career, with the two maintaining a close relationship. Over the years, Covington has devoted efforts to help Trump connect with UFC and general audiences, leading to appearances by Trump at several of Covington’s key fights. The camaraderie between them has benefitted both their public images.