In a series of speeches over the weekend, former President Donald Trump suggested that the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) should establish a migrant fight club to train asylum seekers and illegal immigrants for combat. Trump, known for his affinity for the UFC, shared his concept with UFC President Dana White, who later dismissed it as a joke.

Speaking at a Faith & Freedom Coalition gathering in Washington, DC, Trump praised migrants, stating, "These people are tough. They're so tough." He then recounted his conversation with White, proposing the creation of a migrant league of fighters. Trump envisioned a showdown between the champion of the regular UFC league and the champion of the migrant league, asserting that the latter could potentially emerge victorious due to their perceived toughness. The audience responded with laughter to Trump's remarks.

White confirmed that Trump did mention the idea during their conversation, but reiterated that it was not taken seriously. "I saw everybody going crazy online. But yeah, he did say it," White remarked to reporters, emphasizing that it was intended as a joke. Trump, who has attended several UFC events throughout his political career, highlighted his proposal once again during a rally in Philadelphia.

The former president's suggestion comes as no surprise, given his longstanding stance on illegal immigration and his promise to "build the wall" during his 2016 campaign. Trump has often used incendiary rhetoric when discussing illegal immigrants, drawing criticism for his derogatory remarks. Nevertheless, Trump's administration implemented stricter immigration policies and advocated for a merit-based immigration system.

Meanwhile, Trump is gearing up for a highly anticipated clash of his own – the first presidential debate of the 2024 general election season. On Thursday, he is set to face off against President Biden in Atlanta.

As for the notion of a migrant fight club, it seems to have been received with amusement by some and dismissed as a mere jest by UFC President Dana White. While Trump's idea may linger as another memorable quip in his repertoire, it is unlikely to materialize into a legitimate endeavor within the world of MMA.