UFC Fighters to Train FBI Agents at Quantico

Current and former MMA athletes to share skills with law enforcement agency

Mar. 12, 2026 at 5:03pm

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Current and former mixed martial arts athletes, including UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, are expected to train FBI agents and trainees this weekend at the agency's academy in Quantico, Virginia. The training is described as a "historic first-of-its-kind collaboration" between the UFC and the FBI.

Why it matters

This collaboration allows the FBI to learn defense techniques from some of the top MMA fighters in the world, which could help the law enforcement agency better protect the American people. It also represents an unusual partnership between the UFC, which has close ties to former President Donald Trump, and the federal government.

The details

The training seminar is scheduled to take place on Saturday and Sunday at the FBI Special Agent Academy in Quantico. In addition to Gaethje, other current and former UFC athletes expected to participate include Jorge Masvidal, Chris Weidman, Claudia Gadelha, Michael Chandler, Manel Kape and Renzo Gracie. UFC CEO Dana White, a vocal supporter of Trump, endorsed the former president during all three of his presidential campaigns.

  • The training seminar is scheduled for this weekend, March 13-14, 2026.
  • The UFC is also expected to host a fight between Justin Gaethje and Ilia Topuria on the South Lawn of the White House on June 14, 2026, which marks the 250th anniversary of the United States and Trump's 80th birthday.

The players

Justin Gaethje

UFC lightweight champion who is expected to participate in the training seminar.

Kash Patel

FBI Director who said the training will help the agency better defend the United States.

Dana White

UFC CEO who has endorsed former President Donald Trump and supports the FBI in its work.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Kash Patel, FBI Director (upi.com)

“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.”

— Dana White, UFC CEO (upi.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This collaboration between the UFC and the FBI represents an unusual partnership between a sports organization with close ties to former President Trump and the federal government. It allows the law enforcement agency to learn from some of the top MMA fighters in the world, which could enhance the FBI's ability to protect the American people.