A unique partnership between the UFC and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation was announced on March 11. As part of this collaboration, several current and former UFC stars will conduct an exclusive training seminar for FBI personnel, including academy students and senior staff. The event is scheduled for March 14 and 15 at the FBI Special Agent Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
UFC Fighters Participating as Instructors:
- Justin Gaethje, two-time interim lightweight champion;
- Jorge Masvidal, former BMF titleholder;
- Chris Weidman, former middleweight champion;
- Manel Kape;
- Michael Chandler;
- Claudia Gadelha;
- Renzo Gracie, Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt.
UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard will also join the team. Seminar participants will share their insights into competition preparation and demonstrate specialized combat techniques, providing valuable knowledge for FBI agents.
FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized the importance for agents to master hand-to-hand combat to be “even better prepared to protect the American people.” He expressed excitement about this “historic seminar,” which will enable agents to learn from “some of the greatest athletes on Earth.”
Patel also lauded Dana White for his contributions to the mixed martial arts industry and thanked him for the partnership.
UFC President Dana White, in turn, stated his profound respect for the FBI’s work in protecting the country. He noted that UFC fighters, “some of the baddest men and women on the planet,” would be heading to Quantico to train the best FBI agents in mixed martial arts techniques. White called it an “incredible opportunity” for the athletes and expressed pride in supporting the FBI in strengthening their defense skills.