“Cause if we can’t protect the Earth, you can be damn sure we’ll avenge it.” These iconic words from The Avengers might resonate with fans of Marvel’s superhero team, but last Saturday night, they took on a new twist. There is no doubt that when Donald Trump walks into a room, all eyes are on him. Add fireworks to the mix, you’ve got a moment to remember. Yet, this past weekend, Trump’s entrance at the sold-out Madison Square Garden (a live gate of $16M) wasn’t just memorable, it was viral.

Trump and the entourage of legendary figures sent shockwaves through the arena, amplifying the event’s buzz and filling millions to White’s deep pockets. American commentator Brett Cooper summed it up best, Trump “brought the avengers, the future of America.” It’s clear that this was no ordinary UFC appearance. It was a glimpse into the larger-than-life persona Trump continues to project, where family, friends, and allies all play a part in shaping the public image.

As UFC 309 rolled out in New York, the world was expecting to see Trump sitting ringside with Dana White, as he often does. But what unfolded next was something that wasn’t business as usual. When the crowd of 20,000 erupted in chaos at Madison Square Garden, Trump’s entrance on the Jones v. Miocic PPV, was not the only key moment. The winner of the main event, and the man around whom the PPV card was centered, Jon Jones, acknowledged Trump breaking out the latter’s dance moves in the Octagon after his TKO win over Stipe Miocic.

Yet, it wasn’t just his arrival that stole the show. Why was this moment so different? It’s not just about Trump, the controversial prospective president, it was about ‘Who’ he brought with him.

Who stands at the forefront of Trump’s inner circle?

We’ve seen them, Trump’s inner circle, the people who stand by him through thick and thin, like our very own UFC president. But what drives this network of influential figures? Why does Trump choose the people around him so carefully, and what does it mean for the image he’s crafting? “He’s got Tulsi, he’s got Elon, he’s got RFK, he’s got Kid Rock,” Cooper said, highlighting that this was a spectacle more than an appearance.

Let’s pause for a moment and take in the full picture. Imagine Kid Rock, looking somewhat out of place but enjoying the ride. In the middle of it all was Mike Johnson, who, as Cooper hilariously noted, looked like “the rich kid” trying to blend into a world of rock stars and political heavyweights. But there’s more to this ensemble than meets the eye. Why this network of influential figures? What’s the strategy behind it?

Each member, be it Elon Musk, RFK Jr, or even Kid Rock, represents a blend of business savvy, populist appeal, and a clear rebellion against traditional politics. This “Avengers” group is potent because it transcends demographics, blending politics, entertainment, and business into a singular spectacle. For Dana White, this was the perfect opportunity to capitalize on a broader audience, extending the UFC’s appeal to political enthusiasts, music lovers, and MMA fans alike. A win-win indeed, wouldn’t you agree?

Each of these figures plays a crucial role in cementing Trump’s influence, ensuring he remains in the public eye and relevant across multiple spheres. What’s unique about this moment? Is it the blending of politics, entertainment, and business in one grand event? Or Trump’s uncanny ability to use his network to project a multifaceted image?

For UFC 309, Trump’s name reverberated far beyond the arena. While the event brought in millions for White, it also raised questions about the power dynamics at play. Is this the new standard for sports and politics? Let us know what your thoughts are in the comments below!