UFC 302 fight between lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and favorite Justin Porier was bound to bring out some of the biggest celebrity faces. Sure enough, Aaron Rodgers dropped by to enjoy some action-packed couple hours before the next phase of New York Jets OTAs begins.
He wasn’t the only high-profile name to attend the much-awaited fight at the Prudential Center in New Jersey. UFC and MMA buff and the friend of Dana White, former President, Donald Trump took some time off from his campaigning to watch the bout.
Like always, the crowd went wild as the Republican leader, entered the arena with his cavalry. Accompanied by White, Trump made his way to the VIP seating area for a clear view of the ring.
🇺🇸 Donald Trump 🤝 Aaron Rodgers 🤝 Theo Von 🇺🇸#UFC302 | LIVE on TNT Sports & discovery+ pic.twitter.com/gaU20Djtv2
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) June 2, 2024
Meanwhile, wearing a Knicks cap, Rodgers showed up for the match with former Green Bay Packers teammate Marcedes Lewis who went with a contrasting Lakers hat. ESPN MMA showed the pair trying to locate their seats with beer glasses in towed accompanied by a mysterious lady.
Aaron Rodgers pulled up to #UFC302 🤩 pic.twitter.com/3EpQWRyx73
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) June 2, 2024
Who ignored whom? Donald Trump or Aaron Rodgers?
The two individuals are poles apart from a political standpoint. While Aaron Rodgers prefers to call himself a central left, Donald Trump is as hard right as one can be. Regardless, even people with different political views show courtesy in public spaces.
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (Image via IMAGO)Not in this case. While being escorted by his cavalry to his seat, Trump was waving to the fans and even shook hands with a few. Rodgers and Lewis’ seats were along the route he was on. And surprisingly they ignored each other.
Trump came and went by without even blinking at Rodgers while the New York Jets veteran quarterback kept seated in his seat. With countless phone cameras documenting every moment it was hard to miss any of the off-ring action.
Trump is at a UFC event, again.
This time no celebrity entourage is with him.
Aaron Rodgers completely ignored him.
Terrible optics for a man who lives on optics.
— Peter Henlein (@SwissWatchGuy) June 2, 2024
On the football front, Rodgers has been a regular at the Jets OTA, unlike Lamar Jackson in Baltimore. The 40-year-old remains a constant presence of enthusiasm for his teammates around him.
Jets WR 1 Garrett Wilson, who was devastated by Rodgers’ sudden injury last season, has been working with the 4 time NFL MVP, solidifying their relationship.
[Aaron] Rodgers is a resource for me. Just a person that I can always bounce my thoughts off of. I feel more comfortable bringing certain things up. You never want to come off too strong… We get along well and we’re going to keep building that relationship.
Wilson said per the Jets’ official website.
The Jets kick off their 2024 season with a trip to the Bay area to face the San Francisco 49ers on September 9.
