In the months since I announced I was writing a book about mixed martial arts and strongman politics, U.S. President Donald Trump has gone out of his way to prove my premise.

First, he announced plans for the UFC to host an event at the White House to commemorate his 80th birthday. Then came the announcement this week that Trump had tapped Markwayne Mullin, a former pro MMA fighter, to replace Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security.

It’s a reminder that, in Trump’s America, it helps to know when to throw a punch…and when to kiss the ring.