With UFC 322 bringing two title fights to Madison Square Garden, fans can expect the usual mix of celebrities, fighters, and high-profile guests in attendance. MSG fight nights have a certain electricity to them, and in recent years, one recognizable face has become a part of that atmosphere: Donald Trump, the President of the United States. His habit of appearing cageside at important UFC pay-per-view events has sparked plenty of speculation once again ahead of the much-awaited UFC 322 tonight.

After all, it is Islam Makhachev‘s welterweight debut and Jack Della Maddalena‘s first title defense headlining the night. So, many simply expect Trump to return to New York. However, unlike the last three November gigs at the Garden, where Trump was front and center, this card might just prove to be different. Why? Despite early rumors surrounding his presence, UFC CEO Dana White has finally provided a clear answer. So, here’s the final word on Trump’s status, as well as a look back at his long history with the UFC.

Will Donald Trump be in attendance at UFC 322 in New York?

In short: No, Donald Trump will not attend UFC 322. The revelation came directly from Dana White, who informed FOX Sports Australia that the President of the United States will not be visiting Madison Square Garden tonight. “President Trump is one of those guys that loves to support sports,” White said before adding, “No, he won’t be here at this event.”

This announcement stunned many fans, especially since Polymarket, a prediction platform, briefly listed Trump’s chances of attendance at 72 percent earlier this week. However, once the head honcho went public, the market dropped to 2%, effectively sealing the answer. Donald Trump’s absence is notable because he has attended the last three MSG events in a row: UFC 281, UFC 295, and UFC 309. So, by now, the billionaire has become a regular feature on New York’s November card.

In fact, he made an appearance at UFC 309 just weeks after winning his second election. But this time, the president clearly has a hectic schedule, dealing with ongoing political fallout, international conflict concerns, and public backlash following his most recent sporting visit to a Washington Commanders game. All signs point to external commitments preventing him from showing up at UFC 322. For once, UFC’s biggest New York card of the year will unfold without its most polarizing spectator.

Presidential guest history: Trump’s previous UFC appearances and White House event plans

Donald Trump’s history with the UFC is long, complicated, and undeniably intertwined with the promotion’s rise. His support for the organization dates back to when MMA was still battling to get general acceptance and regulatory permission. When many venues refused to host the sport, the business mogul permitted the UFC to hold events on his properties, which helped keep the organization viable during a volatile time.

That early support resulted in a personal bond between him and Dana White, which has kept Trump tied to the UFC during both of his presidential terms and the years in between. As president, Trump made UFC visits a regular feature of his public schedule. He visited UFC 244 in 2019 for Jorge Masvidal‘s BMF title fight against Nate Diaz, which marked the first major crossover between the Oval Office and the Octagon.

His presence continued into his second election cycle, with memorable appearances at UFC 295, UFC 299, UFC 302, and UFC 309, where he witnessed Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic headline just a week after being reelected. Even after receiving mixed reactions at several sporting events, UFC fans have often greeted him with cheers.

His most recent appearance was at UFC 316 in Newark, where he witnessed Merab Dvalishvili defeat Sean O’Malley. However, Donald Trump will not be in attendance at UFC 322, despite the fact that the UFC and the White House are working on the massive “UFC at the White House” card, which is set to take place in June.

Many believe the president’s next live appearance could take place at that event, which is already being set up behind the scenes. For the time being, however, UFC 322 will take place without its most talked-about spectator, allowing the fighters, particularly Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena, to fully own the stage at Madison Square Garden.