Featured Image Credit: UFC
Topics: UFC, Donald Trump, MMA, Sean O'Malley
Ben McCrum
UFC fans were shocked to see what US President Donald Trump's security team did after a fighter jumped out of the cage to shake his hand.
Ever since his Taj Mahal casino in in Atlantic City hosted UFC 28 back in November 2000, Trump has been heavily involved with the MMA organisation and is often spotted cageside for the biggest events.
Nearly two decades later, the American became the first sitting US president to attend a UFC event as he sat alongside the organisation's boss Dana White for the UFC 244 card at Madison Square Garden in November 2019.
Once fighters are made aware that Trump is in the audience, many of them take the time to speak to the president and shake his hand after their fights are over,
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And that is exactly what happened after the main event of UFC 316 last weekend, and fans were shocked to see how Trump's security detail reacted.
UFC 316's headliner saw bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili defend his belt in a rematch with former champion Sean O'Malley after beating him via unanimous decision at the Las Vegas sphere in September.
At Prudential Center in New Jersey last weekend Dvalishvili made sure to leave no doubt about who the better fighter was, as he finished the fight with a North South Choke in the third round.
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As soon as he felt his opponent tap, the Georgian jumped out of the cage and ran straight towards Trump, clearly catching the president's security off guard as fans spotted that one of them appeared to reach for a gun before realising what was happening.
Reacting to the moment, one fan wrote on X: "Bruh imagine if they popped Merab."
One impressed fan admitted: "That's serious security."
While one claimed: "Merab would do a better job at protecting Trump than the Secret Service."
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And another agreed, writing: "Considering he could be lethal in about 3 seconds…. Man was doing his job."
Shortly after the fight, Dvalishvili returned to home country Georgia to thank fans for the support and show off his UFC belt.
During this time, he spoke about his brief encounter with Trump, claiming that the US president praised him for the performance and said that he was impressed with his talents.
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“I am thrilled to have defended my belt. Returning home always brings me joy," Dvalishvili told local media via Georgian public broadcaster.
"I mentioned Georgia to Donald Trump and reaffirmed my country’s and my respect for him. He told me he appreciated the fight and liked what I did,” added the 34-year-old champion.