The UFC is officially teaming up with the FBI with fighters helping to train agents in hand-to-hand combat.
A partnership was previously discussed after FBI director Kash Patel admitted he was interested in working with the UFC and its fighters to train the agents under his purview. UFC CEO Dana White later revealed that he had spoken to Patel about working together and he was excited for the chance to send fighters to help FBI agents in training.
Now that partnership is official.
“I’m thrilled to announce this historic seminar between the FBI and the UFC at Quantico,” Patel said in a press release. “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.”
Several UFC athletes are traveling to the FBI Special Agent Academy in Quantico, Va. on March 14 and 15 to work with “academy students as well as senior FBI staff from around the world.” UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard will also be on hand to help lead the seminars.
The athletes expected to teach the seminar include UFC interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, Jorge Masvidal, Chris Weidman, Claudia Gadelha, Michael Chandler, Manel Kape and Renzo Gracie.
“I have tremendous respect for the FBI and the work they do every day to protect this country,” UFC CEO Dana White said about the partnership. “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.”
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