U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands with Ilia Topuria, as he holds an event with UFC fighters in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 6, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
(Washington, DC) – UFC fighter Ilia Topuria is drawing attention after meeting President Trump at the White House and praising him for his kindness.
Topuria, one of the sport’s biggest names, appeared with Trump during a White House visit connected to UFC and national celebration plans. During the exchange, he said he never expected the president to be so kind.
The moment quickly spread among Trump supporters, who saw it as another example of athletes and public figures responding warmly to the president when they meet him in person.
Trump has long had a strong relationship with the UFC world, regularly attending fights and receiving loud support from many fans and fighters. Topuria’s visit adds another high-profile sports moment to that connection.
The comment was short, but politically useful for Trump: another public figure praising him in a setting far outside traditional politics.
