FBI’s Kash Patel Wants UFC to Help Train Agents—Is This for Real?
In a move that’s raising more than a few eyebrows, newly appointed FBI Director Kash Patel is reportedly floating the idea of bringing in UFC trainers to whip agents into fighting shape. Yep, you heard that right—FBI agents kicking ass with help from the UFC! According to a recent report from Reuters, Patel pitched this unconventional plan during a video call with supervisors, suggesting that a partnership with Dana White’s mixed martial arts powerhouse could sharpen agents’ self-defense skills.
Now, you might be scratching your head and wondering if this is some sort of wild publicity stunt. Well, you wouldn’t be alone! Some agents have described the concept as “surreal” and “wacky.” And they’re not entirely off-base—while the FBI does have its own training regimen for physical altercations, the idea of rolling around on mats with UFC fighters is certainly a dramatic pivot. But hey, if it helps them handle themselves in the field, maybe it’s not such a bad idea?
Interestingly, police departments across the U.S. have already started exploring similar avenues, incorporating Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu into their training. As detailed in a 2021 report by the International Association of Chiefs of Police, utilizing mixed martial arts techniques can help officers manage situations without escalating violence—a win-win for law enforcement!
While it’s unclear if UFC is even remotely interested in Patel’s suggestion, Dana White—ever the showman and sometimes ally of Donald Trump—might be game. Trump has made a number of public appearances at UFC events and has expressed support for White’s promotion, solidifying the connection between MMA and the political sphere. So who knows? One phone call could see the octagon spilling into FBI training rooms.
But let’s be real: While brushing up on grappling techniques could make agents more effective in the field, the image of an FBI agent in a full-on MMA sparring session feels a bit like something straight out of a comedy sketch. Still, given that UFC fighters are some of the toughest athletes around, there might just be some merit to this wild idea. Only time will tell if Kash Patel can kick-start this partnership into reality.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and Reuters, International Association of Chiefs of Police
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