Fresh off their thrilling 65-63 win over Houston in the NCAA championship game on April 7, 2025, the Florida Gators men’s basketball team continued their victory lap with a high-profile appearance at UFC Miami.
The comeback victory, their first national title since 2007, erased a 12-point deficit and was fueled by Walter Clayton Jr., who earned Most Outstanding Player honors. Fans poured into Gainesville’s Flavet Field on April 8 to celebrate the program’s third national championship, cementing the Gators’ place as one of Florida’s most prominent athletic powerhouses following their unforgettable tournament run.
Florida Gators’ Championship Glory Continues at UFC Miami Appearance
Fresh off their national championship win, Florida Gators men’s basketball team members made a high-profile appearance at UFC 314 in Miami, earning a spotlight moment during the live broadcast. The April 12 event, held at the Kaseya Center, featured a main event featherweight title bout between former champion Alexander Volkanovski and fast-rising contender Diego Lopes. The Gators received a shoutout on the UFC telecast, highlighting their recent success and cultural impact.
Some of the team went to see the UFC fight 👀 pic.twitter.com/ztmQBlO2LP
— Florida Gators 🐊🔥 (@gatorsszn) April 13, 2025
UFC 314 marked the promotion’s fourth event in Miami and its third consecutive numbered card in the city, reinforcing Miami’s status as a premier destination for early-year pay-per-views. The night’s co-main event featured a clash between fan favorites Michael Chandler and Paddy Pimblett.
The Gators’ appearance comes days after clinching their third NCAA championship on April 7 with a dramatic 65-63 comeback win over Houston. Their growing visibility beyond the court, including moments like this on the UFC stage, has only strengthened their standing as one of Florida’s most celebrated athletic programs.
Todd Golden, Gators Celebrate Title at The Swamp as Contract Extension Nears
Florida head coach Todd Golden wore the championship net from the Alamodome proudly around his neck Saturday as the Gators men’s basketball team was honored during halftime of the football program’s annual spring game. Nearly 60,000 fans packed Florida Field to celebrate the national title. Golden said the team will make one more stop — the White House — later this summer.
“It’s just absurd,” Golden said. “Today was awesome.” He added that with older players preparing for the NBA Draft, “To be able to put something like this together on kind of short notice and do a great job honoring our players in front of our fans…was special.”
Golden sported part of the Final Four net, while center Micah Handlogten wore the other. Walter Clayton Jr., Alijah Martin, and Will Richard carried championship hardware into the Swamp.
Golden, who earned $3.6 million this season and ranks 12th among SEC coaches in salary, said he and athletic director Scott Stricklin are close to finalizing a contract extension.
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“Florida’s a place that we can win national championships, as we just proved,” Golden said. “I think in the next week or two, we’ll get to the finish line on that.”
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