Just weeks after joining the U.S Men’s Olympic hockey team in the locker room to celebrate their Gold Medal victory in Italy, FBI director Kash Patel is celebrating what he sees as another athletic milestone.
“I’m thrilled to announce this historic seminar between the FBI and the UFC at Quantico,” said Patel in a statement released today by the UFC. “This is a tremendous opportunity for our FBI agents to learn and train with some of the greatest athletes on earth — helping the world’s premier law enforcement agency be even better prepared to protect the American people.”
The training will provide insight into UFC fighters’ training methods as well as fighting techniques and tactics. It will take place at the FBI Special Agent Academy in Quantico on March 15 and 16 and is for “academy students as well as senior FBI staff from around the world.”
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Patel first floated the idea in a teleconference with the heads of the FBI’s 55 field offices just after he took charge at the Bureau last year.
UFC CEO Dana White is a longtime supporter of President Trump, having spoken at the RNC in 2024 and at Trump’s victory rally in 2025. The duo have also announced a UFC fight at the White House on Trump’s birthday.
Patel was effusive in his praise for White and his organization.
“Dana White has changed the game in the mixed martial arts industry and we’re extremely honored to be partnered with him, the professionals, and the UFC,” said the FBI director. “We are grateful for their shared love of our nation, so that we can better defend her.”
Per a UFC press release, the effort is “part of an overall initiative by the FBI to provide its agents with exciting, innovative training options and to constantly look for opportunities to revamp and improve their preparation.”
Among the fighters involved are current interim UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethe, the first UFC BMF champion Jorge Masvidal, former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman, former UFC strawweight title challenger Claudia Gadelha, former UFC lightweight title challenger Michael Chandler, top UFC flyweight contender Manel Kape and mixed martial arts legend Renzo Gracie.
“I have tremendous respect for the FBI and the work they do every day to protect this country,” said White. “It’s an incredible opportunity for our athletes…and we’re proud to support the FBI in strengthening their defense techniques.”