By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The former color commentator for a Russian MMA organization recalls a time when hosting an event in Moscow’s Red Square was considered, highlighting the political entanglement within the sport. Now, former President Donald Trump plans to host a UFC event at the White House to commemorate the nation’s 250th birthday, solidifying his relationship with the UFC and its CEO Dana White. This partnership has allowed Trump to cultivate an image of strength and masculinity, drawing parallels to fascist Italy’s use of sports and spectacle to project power and nationalism. This signals a shift in American politics, blending entertainment and confrontational tactics, potentially reflecting authoritarian characteristics within the current administration.
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Donald Trump’s UFC stunt is more than a circus. It’s authoritarian theatre. It’s about projection, performance, and the construction of a carefully crafted image, not reality. It’s easy to see the elements at play: the carefully cultivated “tough guy” persona, the desire for spectacle, and the subtle (or not-so-subtle) echoes of historical figures like Benito Mussolini and Roman Emperors. It’s not just about enjoying a fight; it’s about using the spectacle of violence and masculinity to reinforce a specific ideology.
The gold everywhere, the Wharton degree, it’s all part of a carefully constructed illusion. It’s about playing a role, and the UFC, with its gladiatorial overtones and loyal fanbase, becomes a perfect stage for this performance. He’s presenting a version of what he thinks a strong man should be, a poor imitation, but a very effective one for those who want to believe in it. The choice of the UFC is not accidental. The sport has become a potent symbol of a certain kind of hyper-masculinity, a platform for the celebration of strength and dominance.
This is not just a personal eccentricity; it’s a deliberate strategy, the natural conclusion of a partnership where the UFC becomes a vehicle for MAGA mythology. This isn’t just about entertaining the masses. It’s about controlling them, creating a sense of unity through manufactured spectacle, projecting an image of strength and decisiveness. This resonates strongly with the tactics employed by past authoritarian regimes, particularly the use of sports events to galvanize support and cultivate an image of power.
The implications are pretty clear. The White House as a venue for a commercial event like this would be a desecration of the office of the President. It’s a move that seems designed to normalize the extraordinary, to push the boundaries of what’s acceptable in the American political landscape. It’s a clear case of bread and circuses, the classic method of distracting the populace from the real issues with entertainment. The potential for something even worse, something that aligns with a dystopian future, looms.
The thought of fighters facing migrants? A fight to the death? This kind of rhetoric and scenario-building is not just distasteful, it’s dangerous. It’s about turning the vulnerable into objects of spectacle, dehumanizing them in the process. This is not an innocent game; it’s authoritarian theatre, and should be recognized as such. The fact that people around him are encouraging these instincts and ideas is truly alarming.
The performative masculinity, the over-the-top displays, and the reliance on spectacle all suggest a deliberate effort to project a certain image. It’s all part of the show. This is, after all, a man who seems to relish the spotlight, who thrives on attention, and who understands the power of a captive audience. It’s designed to entertain and to distract, but more importantly, it’s designed to normalize the extraordinary.
The whole thing feels like a throwback to the days of ancient Rome, or perhaps even worse. We’re talking about the aesthetics of power, the iconography of strength, the use of public spectacle to consolidate control. It’s the familiar playbook of tyrants and demagogues, designed to erode the foundations of democracy. The Rose Garden? It’s not about a nice event, it’s a vehicle for projecting strength. The show could be about taking action.
Joe Rogan commentating would almost be a natural fit. It’s very telling. They are courting the right-wing crowd, and they’re getting results. The goal is to distract from more insidious actions. But the truth is in the context of everything else.
The sheer trashiness of it all is by design. The porta potties, the county fair vibes – it’s all part of the carefully constructed performance. It’s about a specific appeal. It’s the kind of thing you’d expect from a reality TV show, not the office of the President.
The circus must end, the country has come to a crossroads. Are we moving toward the Hunger Games? The name Circus Americanus is very fitting, and is a warning.