UFC Stars to Train FBI Agents at Quantico This Weekend

MMA fighters will teach agents-in-training combat techniques and tactics

Mar. 13, 2026 at 4:15pm

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Several UFC stars, including Justin Gaethje, Jorge Masvidal, and Renzo Gracie, will be at the FBI academy in Quantico, Virginia, this weekend to train agents-in-training on fighting techniques and tactics. FBI Director Kash Patel called it a "tremendous opportunity" for agents to learn from "some of the greatest athletes." UFC CEO Dana White, a longtime friend of President Trump, said the promotion is "proud to support the FBI in strengthening their defense techniques."

Why it matters

The training session at Quantico highlights the growing relationship between the UFC and the federal government, as the mixed martial arts promotion continues to expand its reach and influence. It also reflects the FBI's efforts to equip its agents with a wider range of skills, including hand-to-hand combat, to prepare them for potential real-world scenarios.

The details

The UFC fighters will be walking the FBI agents-in-training through specific techniques and tactics, offering a peek at how fighters prepare. The participants include Justin Gaethje, who is set to headline an upcoming UFC event at the White House, along with Jorge Masvidal and Brazilian jiu-jitsu legend Renzo Gracie.

  • The training session will take place this weekend at the FBI academy in Quantico, Virginia.

The players

Kash Patel

FBI Director who called the training session "a tremendous opportunity" for agents to learn from "some of the greatest athletes."

Dana White

UFC CEO and a longtime friend of President Trump, who said the promotion is "proud to support the FBI in strengthening their defense techniques."

Justin Gaethje

UFC fighter set to headline an upcoming event at the White House.

Jorge Masvidal

UFC fighter participating in the training session at Quantico.

Renzo Gracie

Brazilian jiu-jitsu legend participating in the training session at Quantico.

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What they’re saying

“It's a tremendous opportunity for agents to learn from some of the greatest athletes.”

— Kash Patel, FBI Director (CNN)

“UFC is proud to support the FBI in strengthening their defense techniques.”

— Dana White, UFC CEO (BBC)

What’s next

The training session at Quantico is expected to be followed by a planned UFC fight night at the White House on President Trump's birthday, which is being billed as part of the nation's 250th birthday festivities.

The takeaway

The collaboration between the UFC and the FBI reflects the growing influence and reach of the mixed martial arts promotion, as well as the FBI's efforts to equip its agents with a wider range of skills to handle potential real-world scenarios. This training session at Quantico is just the latest example of the close relationship between the UFC and the federal government.