FBI Director Kash Patel Announces 'Historic Seminar'…

FBI Director Kash Patel Announces 'Historic Seminar' With UFC Fighters at Quantico

FBI Director Kash Patel (Credit: Getty Images)

FBI Director Kash Patel announced that the bureau will host a training seminar with Ultimate Fighting Championship fighters at the agency's academy in Quantico, describing the initiative as a way to expose agents to new techniques and preparation methods.

"I'm thrilled to announce this historic seminar between the FBI and the UFC at Quantico," Patel said in a statement released by the UFC and reported by Deadline. "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."

The two-day training session, scheduled for March 15 and 16, will take place at the FBI Special Agent Academy and include academy students as well as senior FBI staff from around the world. According to Deadline, the program will provide insight into fighters' training methods, combat tactics and conditioning routines.

Among the athletes expected to participate are interim UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, former middleweight champion Chris Weidman, former strawweight title challenger Claudia Gadelha, flyweight contender Manel Kape and mixed martial arts veteran Renzo Gracie.

UFC CEO Dana White said the organization views the collaboration as a way to support federal law enforcement. "I have tremendous respect for the FBI and the work they do every day to protect this country," White said. "It's an incredible opportunity for our athletes...and we're proud to support the FBI in strengthening their defense techniques."

Patel has previously cited the need to modernize training across the bureau and floated the idea of partnering with the UFC in a teleconference with leaders of the FBI's 55 field offices shortly after taking office last year.

The partnership also reflects longstanding ties between White and President Donald Trump. White supported Trump during the 2024 campaign and spoke at the Republican National Convention and the president's victory rally. The two have also announced plans for a UFC event on the White House grounds as part of national celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Patel, meanwhile, has drawn attention in recent months for high-profile appearances outside the bureau. In late February he joined members of the U.S. men's Olympic hockey team in Italy to celebrate their gold medal victory, an appearance he defended by saying he was "extremely humbled" to share the moment with the players.

The Quantico seminar, the FBI said, is part of a broader effort to expand training programs and explore new approaches to preparing agents for operational challenges.

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