The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is seeking to enhance the combat and response capabilities of its special agents by implementing training systems from the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the world's largest mixed martial arts organization.
According to a report by The Athletic, the FBI is pursuing a one-year exclusive contract with UFC to provide close combat and defensive tactics training for its agents. This contract will be awarded through a non-competitive procurement process, and the specific contract amount has not been disclosed.
The FBI stated in federal procurement documents that it requires a training program that integrates mixed martial arts (MMA) techniques with specialized defensive tactics. The goal is to improve the physical combat skills, mental resilience, and tactical awareness of agents facing high-risk situations.
It also noted that UFC is the only organization capable of meeting the high-level training standards set by the FBI, which include striking, grappling, takedowns, and weapon defense.
Across U.S. law enforcement agencies, there is a growing trend to incorporate practical combat techniques, such as Brazilian jiu-jitsu and wrestling, into regular training to effectively control violent suspects and ensure officer safety. The FBI appears to be leveraging UFC's expertise and systematic training infrastructure to enhance its agents' field response capabilities.
This is not the first collaboration between the FBI and UFC. In February of last year, reports emerged that Kathy Patel, the FBI director appointed during Donald Trump's second administration, was considering the introduction of physical training and martial arts instruction through UFC trainers. At that time, Patel was said to be interested in establishing an official relationship between the FBI and UFC.
On March 14 and 15, a joint event was held in Quantico, Virginia, where current and former UFC fighters, including Justin Gaethje, Jorge Masvidal, and Michael Chandler, directly instructed FBI agents in MMA techniques. During the event, UFC CEO Dana White expressed deep respect for the work the FBI does to protect the country.
International media, including Reuters, have noted the close ties between the Trump administration and UFC in relation to this contract pursuit. White, a close ally of Trump, has appeared on the campaign trail multiple times and introduced Trump at the 2024 Republican National Convention, highlighting their strong connection.
Trump has also publicly praised White and UFC on several occasions. In 2021, he referred to White as a “fantastic person and a winner” on the conservative talk show 'Dan Bongino Show,' stating, “What he has done with UFC is almost unbelievable.” In a podcast with popular YouTuber Logan Paul in 2024, he called White “one of a kind” and expressed doubt that anyone else could achieve what he does. After attending UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden in November of the same year, he posted on social media, thanking “the great Dana White and UFC 309.”
Plans to host UFC events at the White House also emerged during this period. During a visit to Madison Square Garden in November 2024, then-President-elect Trump reportedly told White, “We should hold a fight at the White House.” This idea materialized into an actual event on June 14.
To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and Trump’s 80th birthday, the first-ever UFC Freedom 250 was held on the South Lawn of the White House, attended by over 4,000 guests. However, White has stated that he does not plan to hold such events at the White House again due to concerns over costs, weather, and logistical challenges.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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