He may be in the media doghouse right now but U.S. presidential hopeful Donald Trump is in the good book of UFC president Dana White.
In an interview with TMZ Sports, White said when Zuffa LLC purchased UFC, mixed martial arts was banned in most states, it wasn't supported by most athletic associations and they couldn't book into venues.
"Donald Trump was the first one to have us come out of the Trump Taj Mahal. Not only did we host the events there, he actually showed up and supported the events. You will never hear me say a negative thing about Donald Trump."
White added that when UFC signed a deal with FOX Sports, Trump congratulated them and sent him the cover of the New York Times proving his support.
The wealthy businessman recently made headlines, mostly negative ones, for suggesting he would look at "a complete shutdown" of Muslims from entering the United States. The response was made by the candidate in the wake of last week's shooting spree in San Bernardino, Calif., by what the FBI has called a "radicalized couple" to Islam.
But when asked point blank whether he would support Trump in an election, White was unequivocal.
"Donald will get my vote."
Despite the kerfuffle, Trump is far and away the frontrunner to win the GOP candidacy and represent the Republican vote in the next presidential election.
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