Stipe Miocic, the former UFC heavyweight champion, is making a highly anticipated return to the Octagon after nearly four years of absence. He is set to face off against the legendary Jon Jones in a highly publicized match at Madison Square Garden, a venue famous for hosting epic fights. The event is expected to draw a large audience, and there are rumors that President-elect Donald Trump may be in attendance, adding extra excitement to the occasion!

The stakes are incredibly high, as the UFC heavyweight championship title will be on the line during this monumental bout. When asked if he would be interested in having the President wrap the championship belt around his waist if he emerges victorious, the 42-year-old Miocic expressed enthusiasm about the idea. He was particularly excited about the possibility of sharing such a moment with President Trump, who is known for his larger-than-life persona.

“I’m not against it,” Stipe replied enthusiastically, adding, “That’d be kinda cool to have a president do it. President-elect.” His excitement was palpable, showcasing his appreciation for the potential honor of receiving the belt from such a prominent figure in American politics.

Miocic then turned to someone within the room and asked, “[Trump’s] gonna be there, right?” after which he received a confirmation, heightening the anticipation of the event and the potential for a memorable moment.

This exciting scenario aligns seamlessly with what Michael Chandler, a fellow fighter on the same UFC 309 card, shared during a recent interview. Chandler mentioned that President Trump had promised him he would attend the event if he won the presidential election, highlighting the strong connection between the UFC and the political landscape.

Indeed, President Trump won by a landslide, securing not only the Electoral College victory but also a significant majority of the popular vote, indicating his enduring popularity and influence. His presence at UFC events has become somewhat of a tradition, further intertwining the worlds of sports and politics.

It’s worth noting that Miocic is a proud blue-collar worker hailing from Ohio, a state that leans Republican. However, he has generally maintained a non-partisan stance regarding politics, focusing primarily on his career and training.

Stipe has occasionally made headlines with his comments on Trump, particularly during notable events, such as when Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in Butler, PA, on July 13. These interactions have added a layer of intrigue to Miocic’s public persona and his relationship with the former president.

If Trump does indeed make a special appearance at Madison Square Garden, it certainly won’t be the first instance this year where he has shown up to support his close friend Dana White and the business endeavors of the UFC. His involvement has been instrumental in promoting mixed martial arts and enhancing the visibility of the sport.

Make sure to check out the full interview with Miocic, where the future Hall of Famer delves into all the exciting details surrounding UFC 309. He discusses the significance of this upcoming fight, which he believes will be the pinnacle of his career, underscoring the magnitude of the event and the dedication he has put into preparing for it!