Trump and Rubio Take in UFC Night in Miami as Iran Negotiations Fall Apart

President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio chose cageside seats over negotiating tables Saturday night, attending a UFC fight card in Miami as peace talks with Iran crumbled on the other side of the world.

Trump entered the Kaseya Center shortly after 9pm accompanied by several family members and UFC CEO Dana White, a longtime supporter dating back to Trump first term. Rubio, the US secretary of state, was seated nearby alongside ambassador to India Sergio Gor, rapper Vanilla Ice, and former FBI deputy director Dan Bongino.

The timing drew sharp criticism from Democrats on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, who noted that both Rubio and the special envoy for South and Central Asia skipped critical Iran negotiations in Pakistan while Americans face rising gas prices and tens of thousands remain in harm way overseas.

This is not serious leadership. Its amateur hour, the committee wrote on social media.

While JD Vance briefed reporters in Pakistan that talks had broken down, Trump showed no visible concern for the unfolding diplomatic crisis, instead watching intently as fighters battled inside the octagon. At one point, Rubio leaned over to show the president something on his phone.

After Brazil Paulo Costa defeated Azamat Murzakanov in the co-main event, the victorious fighter approached Trump, who offered compliments: You are a beautiful guy. You could be a model, you look so good. You are too good looking to be a fighter.

Also in attendance were three of Trump children: Ivanka, Tiffany, and Donald Jr., while Ivanka husband Jared Kushner traveled with Vance to Pakistan for the failed negotiations.

Trump has cultivated a strong relationship with UFC over the years, a connection political observers say has helped him build popularity among young male audiences. He has announced plans for a fight event at the White House this summer to mark America 250th anniversary, scheduled for June 14, his 80th birthday.

White confirmed that a bout between Josh Hokit and Curtis Blaydes had been added to that card at Trump personal request.

President Trump built half of that fight, Rogan built the other half, White said in a video posted to social media. Both guys have agreed and accepted the fight.

The evening main event saw Josh Hokit and Curtis Blaydes engage in particularly brutal exchanges that kept the president absorbed throughout.