The FBI will get a little help from the UFC this week.
UFC fighters will travel to the FBI Special Agent Academy in Quantico, Virginia, this weekend to train FBI agents in training as well as senior FBI personnel from around the world, the FBI and mixed martial arts promotion UFC said Thursday.
The federal law enforcement agency and MMA say that athletes and UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard “will provide insight into how they train to compete, as well as demonstrate specific techniques and tactics, providing a unique perspective for students as they prepare to step into the field office.”
The UFC is, of course, scheduled to host an event on the South Lawn of the White House next June. President Trump is a fan of the sport and a friend of UFC CEO Dana White. FBI Director Kash Patel is also known to be a fan of combat sports.
Executives at TKO Group Holdings, the UFC’s parent company, told investors they expect to lose $30 million on the “once-in-a-lifetime” event, though the benefits of the spectacle will far outweigh the cost, given all the attention it is sure to garner. The company has an exclusive US media rights deal with Paramount.
“I have great respect for the FBI and the work they do every day to protect this country,” UFC CEO Dana White said. “Our UFC fighters are some of the baddest men and women on the planet, and they head to Quantico to train the best FBI agents in mixed martial arts. It’s a great opportunity for our athletes to try out, and we’re proud to support the FBI in enhancing their defensive techniques.”
Among the UFC stars heading to Quantico are interim UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaeth, inaugural UFC BMF champion Jorge Masvidal, former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman, former UFC strawweight title challenger Claudia Gadelha, former UFC lightweight title challenger Michael Chandler, top UFC flyweight contender Manel Cape and mixed martial arts legend Renzo Gracie.
“I am pleased to announce this historic symposium between the FBI and the UFC at Quantico,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “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 leading law enforcement agency be better prepared to protect the American people. Dana White has changed the game in the mixed martial arts industry, and we are extremely honored to partner with him, the pros and the UFC. We are grateful for their shared love for our nation, so we can better defend it.”
