America in meltdown as Trump goes rogue at UFC 302

Donald Trump has sparked “crazy” scenes with a public appearance that proves America is in meltdown mode.

Donald Trump has sparked “crazy” scenes with his dramatic arrival at UFC 302 on Sunday.

The convicted felon stole the show at the star-studded UFC event when he walked out in front of more than 15,000 fans inside the Prudential Centre in Newark, New Jersey.

The former US President received a standing ovation and chants from fans were heard on the TV broadcast as he made his way to a seat in front of the Octagon, as you can read in our live coverage from UFC 302.

It was only 48 hours previous that the 77-year-old was found guilty on all 34 counts in his New York hush money trial.

A sentencing hearing has been set for July 11 — four days before the Republican National Convention, when the party will officially nominate him for President.

He faces a minimum of probation and a maximum of up to four years in prison.

Despite all this, Trump appeared more popular than ever as he made his walk in front of screaming fans.

Donald Trump made a splash at the UFC. Photo: Main Event, Foxtel.

Walking alongside UFC boss Dana White, Trump shook hands with spectators and posed for photos.

He also shook hands with ESPN MMA commentator Joe Rogan on the live TV broadcast.

According to videos shared on social media, Trump received thunderous applause when he walked out.

Fans were heard chanting “f*** Joe Biden” and also “we want Trump”.

🚨 UFC Crowd goes INSANE for Trump just two days after being convicted in NY trial.pic.twitter.com/GKEQcAVN6f

— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) June 2, 2024

Rogan said the crowd went “crazy” as Trump emerged.

Behind the scenes, Trump was also shown support when he met former world champ Sean Strickland and light heavyweight world champ Alex Pereira of Brazil.

Trump has previously enjoyed being an MVP guest of the UFC with White repeatedly throwing his support behind the ousted President. They have been friends for more than 20 years.

In March, the former president sat cageside with eldest daughter, Ivanka, at UFC 299 in Florida.

The New York Post reports his Newark appearance is his first public sighting since he declared “we’re going to fight” during a fiery press conference in the atrium of Trump Tower in New York.

Donald Trump shakes hands with Joe Rogan.

Donald Trump plays with the crowd. Photo: Foxtel, Main Event.

Trump has vowed to appeal his conviction, saying he’s “honoured” by the legal battle and that “we’re fighting for our Constitution”.

Trump gave brief comments to media outside the court on Friday, claiming the trial was “rigged” and a “disgrace”.

“This was a rigged trial by a conflicted judge who is corrupt,” he said.

“The real verdict is going to be November 5 by the people and they know what happened here and everybody knows what happened here.”

He insisted “we didn’t do anything wrong”.

“I’m a very innocent man and it’s OK, I’m fighting for our country, I’m fighting for our Constitution,” he said.

“This was done by the Biden administration in order to wound or hurt an opponent, a political opponent, and I think it’s just a disgrace and we’ll keep fighting. We’ll fight to the end and we’ll win.”

People react after former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump was convicted. Photo by Kena Betancur / AFP.

Trump said the country “has gone to hell”.

“We don’t have the same country any more,” he said.

“We have a divided mess. We are a nation in decline, serious decline. Millions and millions of people pouring into our country right now from prisons and from mental institutions, terrorists.

“They are taking over our country. We have a country that’s in big trouble.

“But this was a rigged decision, right from day one with a conflicted judge who should have never been allowed to try this case. Never.

“And we will fight for our Constitution. This is long from over. Thank you very much.”

UFC 302 RESULTS

Islam Makhachev defeats Dustin Poirier by Submission (D’arce choke) at 2:42 of Round 5

Sean Strickland (46-49, 50-45) defeats Paulo Costa (49-46) by Split Decision

Kevin Holland defeats Michal Oleksiejczuk by Technical Submission (armbar) at 1:34 of Round 1

Niko Price (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) defeats Alex Morono by Unanimous Decision

Randy Brown (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) defeats Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos by Unanimous Decision

Roman Kopylov (29-28, 30-27) defeats Cesar Almeida (29-28) by Split Decision

Jailton Almeida defeats Alexandr Romanov by Submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:27 of Round 1

Grant Dawson (29-28, 30-27, 30-27) defeats Joe Solecki by Unanimous Decision

Jake Matthews (29-28, 29-28, 30-27) defeats Philip Rowe by Unanimous Decision

Bassil Hafez (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) defeats Mickey Gall by Unanimous Decision

Ailin Perez (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) defeats Joselyne Edwards by Unanimous Decision

Andre Lima (30-27, 30-27) defeats Mitch Raposo (29-28) by Split Decision

Originally published as America in meltdown as Trump goes rogue at UFC 302