Former President Donald Trump recently gained support from several UFC fighters as they reached out to Arab American voters in Michigan, a state that could play a crucial role in the upcoming presidential election. UFC stars Justin Gaethje, Beneil Dariush, and Henry Cejudo voiced their support for Trump as he faced off against Vice President Kamala Harris. The event was organized by Conservative Middle Eastern and held in Detroit.
Dariush, who was born in Iran and is an Assyrian Christian, addressed a crowd that included Chaldeans, a Christian minority group that has been impacted by regional conflicts like the Islamic State. He emphasized that Trump’s approach to foreign policy, especially in the Middle East, resonated with him and others who have experienced similar issues.
Ali Abdelaziz, who helped arrange for the fighters to speak at the event, also praised Trump’s Middle East policies, highlighting the peace that was achieved during Trump’s presidency. Gaethje compared the final days of the campaign to the “championship rounds,” while Cejudo connected with the audience by sharing his experience as a first-generation American.
In a recent Fox News national survey, Trump was leading Harris by a small margin. However, Harris had a slight edge among voters in key battleground states. The candidates were tied among voters in counties where the margin of victory in the 2020 election was less than 10 points.
The fighters’ support for Trump underscores the diverse perspectives within the Arab American community and highlights the importance of engaging with voters from all backgrounds. As the election draws near, both campaigns will continue to court key demographics in crucial states like Michigan to secure victory.