UFC Fighters to Train FBI Agents at Quantico

Current and former UFC fighters are participating in a unique training seminar for FBI agents and students at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, this weekend. The initiative, announced on March 12, 2026, marks a collaboration between the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization and the leading federal law enforcement agency.

FBI Seeks Innovative Training Techniques

The seminar is part of an FBI initiative to provide agents with “exciting, innovative training options,” according to a UFC statement reported by USA Today. While investigative perform doesn’t traditionally involve hand-to-hand combat, the FBI recognizes the value of incorporating diverse skill sets into its training program.

UFC Stars Lending Their Expertise

A roster of prominent UFC athletes are leading the seminar, including interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, former BMF champion Jorge Masvidal, former middleweight champion Chris Weidman, former strawweight Claudia Gadelha, former lightweight Michael Chandler, flyweight contender Manel Kape, and mixed martial arts legend Renzo Gracie .

Statements from UFC and FBI Leadership

UFC CEO Dana White expressed his respect for the FBI and highlighted the opportunity for his athletes to contribute to national security. “I have tremendous respect for the FBI and the work they do every day to protect this country,” White said in a statement. “Our UFC fighters are some of the baddest men and women on the planet and they are heading to Quantico to train the best FBI agents in mixed martial arts. It’s an incredible opportunity for our athletes to experience, and we’re proud to support the FBI in strengthening their defense techniques.”

FBI Director Kash Patel echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the value of learning from world-class athletes. “I’m thrilled to announce this historic seminar between the FBI and the UFC at Quantico,” Patel stated. “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. Dana White has changed the game in the mixed martial arts industry and we’re extremely honored to be partnered with him, the professionals, and the UFC. We are grateful for their shared love of our nation, so that we can better defend her.”

White House Event Planned

This collaboration extends beyond the training seminar. The UFC is similarly scheduled to host an event on the South Lawn of the White House this June, a testament to President Trump’s support of the sport and his friendship with Dana White . While TKO Group Holdings, the UFC’s parent company, anticipates a $30 million loss on the White House event, executives believe the publicity will be invaluable .