The UFC is set to collaborate with the FBI in a unique training initiative.
The MMA leader has long maintained close ties with key figures in American politics. UFC CEO Dana White has shared a relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump that dates back more than two decades, and in recent years that connection has extended to several prominent members of his administration. Their presence is often visible at events, with officials including FBI Director Kash Patel frequently seen cageside during fight nights.
That relationship has now evolved into a formal partnership between the MMA promotion and the American domestic intelligence and law enforcement agency. In a press release issued Wednesday, UFC and the FBI officially announced a landmark training seminar.
The training program will take place at the FBI Special Agent Academy in Quantico, Virginia, on March 14 and 15, where academy students and senior staff members from around the world will learn combat and self-defense techniques under the guidance of several current and former UFC fighters.
The seminar will feature an all-star lineup of fighters, including interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, former BMF titleholder Jorge Masvidal, ex-middleweight champion Chris Weidman, along with Michael Chandler, Manel Kape, and MMA legend Renzo Gracie. Mick Maynard, who serves as a matchmaker for the UFC, will also be on hand to assist with leading the sessions.
The idea behind this high-profile partnership was first proposed by Patel in February 2025 when he initially assumed the role of director at the FBI. At the time, Patel noted that such a collaboration could help agents learn specialized techniques and tactics while offering academy students a unique perspective as they prepare to enter field offices.
Dana White And Kash Patel Address UFC-FBI Partnership For Agent Training
In the same press release, Kash Patel commented on the unique partnership with the UFC, emphasizing that the initiative aims to enhance the practical training of FBI agents by exposing them to techniques used by elite MMA athletes, which he believes will better prepare the bureau for real-world situations.
I’m thrilled to announce this historic seminar between the FBI and the UFC at Quantico,” Patel stated. “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. 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. We are grateful for their shared love of our nation, so that we can better defend her.”
Meanwhile, the UFC chief added that the trip to Quantico will serve as a memorable experience for the fighters while also giving the promotion an opportunity to support the FBI in enhancing its combat and defensive training.
I have tremendous respect for the FBI and the work they do every day to protect this country,” White stated. “Our UFC fighters are some of the baddest men and women on the planet and they are heading to Quantico to train the best FBI agents in mixed martial arts. It’s an incredible opportunity for our athletes to experience, and we’re proud to support the FBI in strengthening their defense techniques.”
