Donald Trump greeted Joe Rogan and Marco Rubio at UFC 327 on Saturday night as peace talks to end the Iran war faltered.
Arriving at the Kaseya Center shortly after 9pm, Mr Trump was there to watch the light heavyweight fight between Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg.
He was accompanied by Ultimate Fighting Championship president Dana White and several family members.
To a soundtrack of Kid Rock, Mr Trump made his way to his seat, where Secretary of State Marco Rubio was waiting.
US ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, was also nearby. Mr Trump engaged with attendees, shaking hands and greeting podcaster and UFC colour commentator Joe Rogan, frequently offering smiles to the cameras.
His high-profile appearance followed an advertisement posted earlier on his Truth Social account, which appeared to promote a “UFC fight at the White House” on 14 June, coinciding with his 80th birthday.
A crowd of onlookers could be seen filming the presidential motorcade upon arrival.
Meanwhile in Pakistan, peace talks between the US and Iran have crumbled after just one day, as JD Vance blamed Tehran for being unwilling to accept American terms.
US and Iranian officials travelled to Pakistan on Saturday for what were hailed as “make-or-break” peace talks aimed at bringing an end to the bloody six-week war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
But less than 24 hours later the teams departed Islamabad empty-handed.
In remarks following the 21-hour marathon talks, the US vice president suggested the sticking point had come after Tehran had failed to convince negotiators it would not seek to develop a nuclear weapon.
With former champion Alex Pereira vacating the belt to move up and challenge for the interim heavyweight crown at UFC Freedom 250 at the White House, Ulberg (14-1-0) earned his spot across Procházka (32-5-1) in the main event of Saturday’s card.
On the main undercard, fellow light heavyweights Azamat Murzakanov (16-0-0) and Paulo Costa (15-4-0) will battle in what might end up being a qualifier for the victor to meet the winner of Ulberg and Procházka.
Fifth-ranked heavyweight Curtis Blaydes (19-5-0) will battle undefeated Josh Hokit (8-0-0).
Reyes (15-5-0), now the 10th-ranked light heavyweight, will battle No. 12 Johnny Walker (22-9-0).
In the featherweight division, Cub Swanson (31-14-0) stopped Nate Landwehr (18-8-0).
The UFC has added Derrick Lewis versus Josh Hokit to the UFC Freedom 250 card set for this summer at the White House, a move which UFC CEO Dana White says came at the request of President Donald Trump.
