It was a rare public appearance for reclusive Michael Jackson tonight (SAT), in the middle of 18,000 Ultimate Fighting Championship fans at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

“You don’t normally see him at an event like this,” I was told. “Then for him to put himself in the middle of a crowded arena is really unusual.”

It was an all-star turnout for the UFC showdowns, with retired porn queen Jenna Jameson rooting for boyfriend Tito Ortiz alongside Celebrity Apprentice host Donald Trump and Donald Trump Jr. Also there Shaquille O’Neal, Mandy Moore, Laura Prepon, and Jamie Pressley.

All the attention though was focused on the pop-music king. With a new single coming out mid-June Michael is expected to be seen out and about more often at upcoming public events, I was informed.