Donald Trump was like UFC fighter 'coming to Octagon' during RNC appearance

Sporting a hefty bandage on his right ear just days after a narrow escape from an assassination attempt, Donald Trump made his entrance on the second day of the Republican National Convention to thunderous applause, as shown in this video. As he navigated his way to the center stage in Milwaukee, raising his fist, a gesture that has become somewhat iconic, Republican political strategist David Urban drew parallels between Trump's arrival and a fighter entering the ring during a segment on CNN.

"It's like Dana White walking down to UFC, that's the vibe it gives off," Urban commented on CNN Tuesday night. "Like a fighter coming to the cage, coming to the Octagon!"

The fighting metaphor seemed even more apt when videos emerged of the RNC's first evening on Monday when Trump was greeted with cries of "fight" in Milwaukee, echoing the word he had used after being whisked away from his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday when a bullet grazed his ear. In his inaugural appearance at the convention, which spans four days, Trump officially chose Ohio Senator JD Vance as his running mate and renewed his plea for party unity.

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Urban's mention of UFC coincides with Trump's notable fascination with the burgeoning sport. The former president marked a first by attending a mixed martial arts event while in office, claiming to have received a similarly spirited welcome at UFC 244, reports the Express US .

"I've done it in Vegas, Miami, I do it when I'm with Dana, and it is an eruption, he said like he's never heard before," Trump boasted to Logan Paul on his IMPAULSIVE podcast, recalling the overwhelming reaction from UFC crowds. "They actually stopped a fight. We were walking out at this fight going on, and I heard this crazy sound. They both stopped fighting, they're looking over like 'What happened? ' They probably thought bad things were happening to the arena."

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Trump, who has maintained a close relationship with UFC CEO and President Dana White for nearly two decades, also enjoys support from many high-profile figures within the sport. Following an attempt on Trump's life, UFC star Conor McGregor took to social media to voice his backing: "A 78-year-old multiple billionaire he should be on a yacht on the med touring golf courses," McGregor penned.

"But he is not. He is in Pennsylvania spitting out bullets! Running for the love of his country! God speed Donald! God bless the United States."

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Even Michael Chandler, a UFC rival who often clashes with McGregor and was expected to face him in the ring last month, agreed on their support for Trump, replying to McGregor's tweet with "We stand united on this one.."

Other notable fighters have also thrown their weight behind Trump's political ambitions, including the divisive boxing talent Ryan Garcia, Jorge Masvidal, and Sean Strickland.

Strickland roared: "President Trump, you're the man, bro," during Joe Rogan's interview with Trump at UFC 302. He continued: "It is a damn travesty what they are doing to you. I'll be donating to you, my man."

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