UFC star Jorge Masvidal has been in the spotlight recently for his involvement in a post-game brawl with fellow UFC star Colby Covington. Now, he’s at it again as his praise for former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis at UFC 287 on Saturday caused some more controversy.
Masvidal lost his welterweight fight against Gilbert Burns and announced his retirement in a post-game interview with Joe Rogan. During his speech, Masvidal gave shoutouts to Trump, who was in the audience, as well as DeSantis.
“I wanted to say, greatest president in the history of the world sitting right there,” Masvidal said, pointing to Trump. “I love that guy.”
Masvidal then turned his praise toward DeSantis before leading a chant criticizing President Biden.
“We also got the greatest governor of all time here in Florida. Let’s keep Florida free, a red state,” he said. “And let’s take back – you know who, Let’s go, Brandon motherf***er… replace him.”
Masvidal has a history of showing support for Trump, including his participation in the rally before the president’s speech at the Republican National Convention in August 2020.
Masvidal was also accused of giving one of his former opponents a brain injury in an attack in Miami. The UFC star was ordered to stay at least 25 feet away from Covington following the attack, which allegedly saw Masvidal attacking Covington with a deadly weapon – his hands or fists – causing Covington to suffer great bodily harm, specifically a “brain injury,” according to court documents obtained by ESPN.
Trump’s appearance at UFC 287 came just days after he pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of felony business fraud relating to alleged hush payments he made to adult film star Stormy Daniels.
Trump surrendered himself to New York authorities last week before returning to his Florida home.
Masvidal, who has a 20-year career in UFC, has been on a losing streak for the last four fights, with his most recent comeback on March 5 of last year against Covington by unanimous decision in Las Vegas. As of Saturday, he is now retired from the sport and will focus on his other ventures.
Jorge Masvidal gives President Trump legendary shoutout at UFC Miami as the “greatest President in the history of the world,” then gets entire arena chanting “Let’s Go Brandon” in thunderous chorus after announcing retirement🔥🔥🔥
This is so epic. pic.twitter.com/VijuvzSb1c
— Danny De Urbina (@dannydeurbina) April 9, 2023
