Just weeks after celebrating their gold medal win in Italy with the U.S. men’s Olympic hockey team in the locker room, FBI Director Kash Patel is celebrating what he considers another athletic milestone.
“I am pleased to announce this historic symposium between the FBI and UFC in Quantico,” said Patel in a statement released by the UFC today. “This is a great opportunity for our FBI agents to learn and train with some of the greatest athletes on the planet, helping world-class law enforcement agencies be better prepared to protect the American people.”
advertise
More from Deadline
This training will provide an in-depth understanding of UFC fighters’ training methods as well as fighting techniques and tactics. The event will be held March 15-16 at the FBI Special Agent Academy in Quantico and is open to “academy students as well as senior FBI personnel from around the world.”
Patel first floated the idea during a conference call with the heads of the FBI’s 55 field offices shortly after taking office last year.
UFC CEO Dana White is a long-time supporter of President Trump, having spoken at the Republican National Committee in 2024 and at Trump’s victory rally in 2025. The two also announced a UFC fight at the White House on Trump’s birthday.
advertise
Patel was glowing with praise for White and his organization.
“Dana White is a game-changer for the mixed martial arts industry, and we are honored to partner with him, the pros, and the UFC,” said the FBI director. “We are grateful for their shared love of our country so that we can better defend her.”
According to a UFC press release, the effort is “part of the FBI’s overall plan to provide its agents with exciting and innovative training options and to continually look for opportunities to refine and improve their preparation.”
Participating fighters include current UFC lightweight interim champion Justin Getter, the first UFC BMF champion Jorge Masvidal, former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman, and former UFC strawweight title challenger Claudia Gadelha, Former UFC lightweight title challenger Michael Chandler, top UFC flyweight contender Marnell Kapp and MMA legend Renzo Gracie.
advertise
“I have the utmost respect for the FBI and the work they do every day to protect this country,” White said. “This is an incredible opportunity for our athletes… We are proud to support the FBI in strengthening their defense technology.”
best deadline
Subscribe to Deadline’s newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.