UFC to Host Training Sessions with FBI Agents

The mixed martial arts promotion and federal law enforcement agency announce historic collaboration at Quantico Academy.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 10:57am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The UFC will host training sessions at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, this weekend, the mixed martial arts promotion and FBI announced on Thursday. FBI Director Kash Patel, a longtime UFC fan, said the seminars are a "tremendous opportunity" for FBI agents to learn from some of the greatest athletes in the world. Current and former UFC fighters, including champions and title challengers, will lead the training sessions on March 14 and 15.

Why it matters

This collaboration is part of the FBI's initiative to provide its agents with innovative training options and constantly improve their preparation to continue being the best law enforcement agency. The Trump administration has had a close relationship with the UFC, with the President attending multiple fights in recent years.

The details

The training sessions will be led by current and former UFC fighters, including interim UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethe, the first UFC BMF champion Jorge Masvidal, former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman, former UFC strawweight title challenger Claudia Gadelha, former UFC lightweight title challenger Michael Chandler, top UFC flyweight contender Manel Kape, and mixed martial arts legend Renzo Gracie.

  • The seminars will be held on March 14 and 15, 2026.

The players

Kash Patel

FBI Director who is a longtime UFC fan and initiated this collaboration.

Dana White

UFC CEO who said the organization is proud to support the FBI in strengthening their defense techniques.

Justin Gaethe

Current interim UFC lightweight champion who will lead training sessions.

Jorge Masvidal

First UFC BMF champion who will lead training sessions.

Chris Weidman

Former UFC middleweight champion who will lead training sessions.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm thrilled to announce this historic seminar between the FBI and the UFC at Quantico. 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 (wondradio.com)

“I have tremendous respect for the FBI and the work they do every day to protect this country. 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 (wondradio.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 FBI showcases the government's commitment to providing its law enforcement agents with innovative training methods and access to elite athletes, further strengthening the agency's ability to protect the American people.