Sports Politika
In The Red Corner
Episode 1: 'Do You Wanna Be a F***ing Fighter?'
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Episode 1: 'Do You Wanna Be a F***ing Fighter?'

On the debut episode of In The Red Corner, we look back at the UFC's inception and how Trump helped save the organization during its darkest years. At least that's how the lore goes...
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Welcome to Sports Politika, a media venture founded by investigative journalist and researcher Karim Zidan that strives to help you understand how sports and politics shape the world around us. Our mission is to offer an independent platform for accessible journalism that raises awareness and empowers understanding.

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In May 2024, Donald Trump became the first former U.S. president to be convicted on felony charges. And, two days later, he made an unexpected first public appearance at a UFC event.

Trump entered the arena flanked by secret service agents. Kid Rock’s “American Badass” played in the background. The crowd chanted his name, and, also, “Fuck Joe Biden”. And UFC President Dana White was by his side the entire time.

Now you would think that it would be politically risky for the UFC to host the former president, just days after he became a felon, and in the middle of his rollercoaster 2024 campaign.

But Trump and the UFC, they go way back. 

In this first episode of In The Red Corner, a three-part audio series on the UFC, Trump, and the violent politics that unite them, I’m going to take you back to the UFC’s inception, and explain how Trump gave the UFC legitimacy as politicians tried to shut it down.

At least, that’s how the lore goes…


In The Red Corner was created by Karim Zidan and Elie Bleier and is available on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcast, and Spotify. You can also listen using the embed above or through the Substack app.

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Sports Politika
In The Red Corner
A three-part audio series exploring the controversial alliance between Donald Trump and the UFC, and its profound impact on America's socio-political landscape. Created by Karim Zidan and Elie Bleier.
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Appears in episode
Karim Zidan
Elie Bleier