Zohran Mamdani recalls the 'weirdest' sight at the White House: UFC at the White House

Mamdani reveals weirdest thing he saw at Trump White House. It has to do with UFC

New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani described the “weirdest” thing he saw during his recent visit to the White House to meet President Donald Trump, a coffee-table book titled “UFC at the White House.”

Speaking on The Adam Friedland Show on Monday, the 34-year-old Democratic socialist said he noticed the book among Trump’s reading materials and had “no idea” that the mixed martial arts event was scheduled for June 2026 on the South Lawn to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary.

“I was just flipping through that,” Mamdani said, describing the folder as containing drawings showing what the octagon-shaped fighting arena might look like. When asked if he intended to attend, he chuckled and replied, “No.”

The UFC event, first mentioned by Trump in July during a speech at the Iowa State Fair, is planned for June 14, 2026, which is also Trump’s 80th birthday. UFC President and CEO Dana White said the event will seat about 5,000 people due to security concerns, much lower than Trump’s original estimate of up to 25,000 attendees.

Cordial White House meeting despite campaign tensions

Last week, Mamdani met Trump for the first time following his November 4 mayoral victory. The encounter marked a departure from their combative relationship during the campaign.

Trump praised Mamdani during the visit, saying it was okay for him to have called him a “fascist.” “We’re going to be helping him to make everybody’s dream come true: having a strong and very safe New York,” Trump said at the press conference.

Throughout the campaign, Trump had repeatedly criticised Mamdani, calling him a “communist lunatic” and questioning his fitness for office, even threatening to withhold federal funding if he won.

Despite this history, the White House meeting was unexpectedly cordial, with Trump acknowledging Mamdani’s historic win and expressing confidence in his ability to lead New York City.

Mamdani, reflecting on the press conference, said he remained focused on his priorities for the city. “Honestly, I was just thinking about New York City,” he said, highlighting his commitment to his new role.