The FBI has officially partnered with the UFC to host a high-profile training seminar, enlisting some of the world’s most elite fighters to train prospective special agents.
In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, current and former UFC stars will descend upon the FBI Special Agent Academy in Quantico, Virginia, on March 14 and 15.
The sessions are exclusive to academy students and senior FBI staff. During the sessions, selected athletes will ‘demonstrate specific techniques and tactics’, as well as ‘provide insight into how they train for competition’, as per a UFC statement.
‘I’m thrilled to announce this historic seminar,’ FBI Director Kash Patel stated, calling it a ‘tremendous opportunity’ for agents to learn from the world’s greatest athletes.
Patel emphasized that the partnership with Dana White and the UFC will help the law enforcement agency be ‘even better prepared to protect the American people.’
UFC CEO Dana White echoed the sentiment, noting his fighters are ‘some of the baddest men and women on the planet’ and are proud to support national defense.
The FBI has officially partnered with the UFC to host a high-profile training seminar
‘It’s an incredible opportunity for our athletes to experience, and we’re proud to support the FBI in strengthening their defense techniques,’ Dana White said
‘It’s an incredible opportunity for our athletes to experience, and we’re proud to support the FBI in strengthening their defense techniques,’ the UFC chief added.
The all-star crew heading to Quantico includes interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, Michael Chandler and the UFC’s first-ever ‘BMF’ champion, Jorge Masvidal.
They will be joined by former middleweight champion Chris Weidman, Claudia Gadelha, Manel Kape and Renzo Gracie to lead the specialized sessions.
UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard will also be on-site to provide unique insights into the mental and physical preparation required for elite-level hand-to-hand combat.
The athletes will demonstrate specific tactics and techniques, offering a unique perspective to students as they prepare to enter the field office after graduation.
This partnership has been rumored since Patel took office in February 2025, following his frequent appearances at UFC events alongside the promotion’s leadership.
By training with professional fighters, the Bureau aims to improve their skills so they can continue to be the ‘best of the best’ in global law enforcement.
The UFC stated that the collaboration offers a unique experience for their athletes to give back to the country while strengthening the FBI’s defensive arsenal.
The likes of current UFC star Justin Gaethje, right, will be in attendance this week
‘Dana White has changed the game in the mixed martial arts industry,’ Kash Patel added
The UFC stated that the collaboration offers a unique experience for their athletes to give back to the country while strengthening the FBI’s defensive arsenal.
‘Dana White has changed the game in the mixed martial arts industry,’ Patel added, expressing pride in partnering with the professionals and the UFC.
‘We are grateful for their shared love of our nation, so that we can better defend her,’ the Director continued in his official statement regarding the deal.
White noted that the opportunity for his fighters to experience the inner workings of Quantico is a significant milestone for the mixed martial arts community.
