FBI agents will attend a coaching this weekend taught by Ultimate Fighting Championship fighters, the combined martial arts firm introduced Wednesday.
The UFC stated fighters “will provide insight into how they train for competition, as well as demonstrate specific techniques and tactics, offering a unique perspective to the students as they prepare to enter the field office.”
The coaching at the FBI’s Quantico facility in Virginia comes simply months earlier than the White House is ready to host a UFC struggle night time, meant to rejoice the nation’s 250 anniversary, on President Donald Trump’s birthday. Trump has longstanding ties to the UFC and its CEO Dana White, who was a key surrogate for him in 2024 and launched him at the Republican National Convention.
FBI Director Kash Patel stated in a press release the UFC coaching “is a tremendous opportunity for our FBI agents to learn and train with some of the greatest athletes” and that it could assist the FBI “be even better prepared to protect the American people.”
Patel has made his private picture and persona a characteristic of his management of the premier legislation enforcement company – breaking away from the blue-suit, stiff-natured persona of earlier administrators. He has appeared on Joe Rogan’s podcast, posted photographs of himself on social media figuring out with agents and sported an array of FBI jackets at press conferences.
His nontraditional type got here beneath scrutiny final month when video circulated on-line of Patel chugging beer whereas celebrating with the USA males’s hockey group of their locker room following their victory over Canada for gold.
The coaching this weekend will embody a number of high UFC fighters, together with Justin Gaethje — who will headline the White House struggle night time — Jorge Masvidal and Renzo Gracie, a coach and fighter whose household developed Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
“This collaboration 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 to continue to be the best of the best.”