UFC lightweight champion Gaethje backs Trump at Dallas Republican Midterm Convention

UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje delivered a speech at the 2026 Republican Midterm Convention in Dallas, publicly backing Donald Trump and calling on Republican voters to match the enthusiasm they showed in the 2024 presidential election.

Gaethje drew on his fighting career to frame the political stakes, warning against complacency. “One mistake I’ve made in my career was becoming complacent while I was on a winning streak and forgetting how unforgiving my sport can be,” he said. “If we are not just as passionate about voting and winning in these midterms as we were in the last presidential election, then we risk getting knocked out and losing all the momentum we have been fighting for.”

The lightweight titleholder also expressed his broader political outlook. “I want to live under a conservative form of government in a free and capitalist society,” Gaethje said. “And I truly believe President Trump wants the best for every American, no matter the political side of the aisle they fall on.”

Gaethje was not the only UFC figure on the stage. Unbeaten middleweight prospect Bo Nickal, who holds a 9-1 professional record, also addressed the convention, thanking Trump for his support and for the opportunity to compete at UFC Freedom 250 at the White House in June.

Trump has maintained a long-standing relationship with UFC CEO Dana White, and a number of fighters have publicly backed the president over the years. Colby Covington, Jorge Masvidal, and Henry Cejudo are among those who have previously appeared at political events in support of Trump.