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Trump praises Cejudo, Gaethje, Covington at rally

Ethan Miller / Getty Images News / Getty

A handful of UFC fighters and company president Dana White were special guests at U.S. President Donald Trump's indoor rally in Nevada on Sunday night.

Interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, retired former two-division champ Henry Cejudo, and welterweight contender Colby Covington attended the rally. Gaethje and Cejudo's manager, Ali Abdelaziz, was also present.

Trump raved about the fighters during his speech:

Trump also praised White, whom he's considered a friend for years, and described the UFC president as "so smart, so tough, so cunning." White spoke at the Republican National Convention in 2016 and 2020, endorsing Trump for president both times.

Trump shot a backstage video with Covington and wished the avid MAGA supporter luck ahead of his main-event bout against Tyron Woodley on Saturday. Trump called the fighter a "winner" and said he'd be watching UFC Fight Night this weekend.

Cejudo posted Instagram photos and videos while sitting in the front row at the rally. He was seen sitting with Gaethje, White, and Abdelaziz. At one point, the 33-year-old exclaimed, "Trump Nation in the house!"

The rally took place in Henderson, just outside Las Vegas, at Xtreme Manufacturing. It was expected to violate the state's restriction on gatherings of 50 people or more, according to CNN's Eric Fiegel, Paul LeBlanc, Donald Judd, and Jason Hoffman.

Cejudo retired from MMA in May after a win over Dominick Cruz at UFC 249. Gaethje is scheduled to challenge Khabib Nurmagomedov for the undisputed 155-pound belt at UFC 254 on Oct. 24.

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