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UFC athletes conduct FBI combat training seminar
Current and retired mixed martial arts competitors from the Ultimate Fighting Championship will lead a weekend workshop for senior FBI personnel and trainees at the bureau's academy in Quantico, Virginia, both organizations confirmed.
FBI director hails collaboration
FBI Director Kash Patel described the session as "a tremendous opportunity" for agents to "learn and train with some of the greatest athletes on Earth." He stated the instruction would enhance the agency's readiness to "protect the American people."
UFC leadership frames initiative as public service
In a prepared statement, UFC CEO Dana White expressed pride in supporting the FBI's efforts to "strengthen their defense techniques." White, who has maintained a friendship with former President Donald Trump since the early 2000s, added that UFC fighters are "some of the baddest men and women on the planet" and are traveling to Quantico to instruct the bureau's top agents in mixed martial arts.
Training focus and participant roster
The FBI said the athletes will share insights into their competitive training regimens and demonstrate specific techniques and tactics. Confirmed participants include interim UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, inaugural UFC BMF titleholder Jorge Masvidal, former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman, and former UFC lightweight title challenger Michael Chandler.
Trump plans White House UFC celebration
Trump, who attended UFC events during his presidency, has scheduled a White House gathering with the promotion in June to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. The former president stated the fights on the card would be "the biggest they've ever had."
White projected approximately 5,000 spectators for the event, which will feature an octagon on the South Lawn, with an additional 80,000 fans expected to gather at a nearby Washington park.
Background and next steps
Trump hosted some of the first UFC events at his properties in the early 2000s, establishing a long-standing relationship with White. The BBC has reached out to the FBI for additional details about the training seminar.
