UFC fighters in Quantico? MMA stars to train FBI agents in hand-to-hand combat this weekend; ‘We’ll be even better prepared to protect the American people,’ Kash Patel says

In a one-of-a-kind initiative, several Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighters are heading to Marine Corps Base Quantico this weekend, on March 14 and 15, to help train agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in advanced hand-to-hand combat. The special session will focus on practical self-defense skills, grappling techniques, and situational control tactics used in mixed martial arts. FBI agents will learn how professional fighters manage close-quarters confrontations, maintain balance, and neutralize threats safely. The collaboration highlights the growing interest among law-enforcement agencies in MMA-based training methods. By combining real-world law enforcement tactics with combat sports expertise, the program aims to improve agents’ readiness and confidence during high-risk physical encounters.

According to a release from the UFC, the fighters will travel to the FBI Special Agent Academy to conduct an exclusive training seminar for academy trainees and senior FBI personnel from across the globe. The athletes, along with UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard, will share insights into their preparation for competition while also demonstrating key techniques and tactics, reported Yahoo. The session will give academy students a unique look at high-level combat training as they get ready to begin their assignments in FBI field offices.

FBI Director Kash Patel described the initiative as ‘a tremendous opportunity’ for agents to learn and train alongside some of the greatest athletes in the world. He added that the experience will help the Federal Bureau of Investigation become even better prepared to protect the American people.
According to the release, current UFC fighters Justin Gaethje and Manel Kape will lead the seminar alongside retired fighters Jorge Masvidal, Chris Weidman, Claudia Gadelha, Michael Chandler, and legendary grappler Renzo Gracie.

“I have tremendous respect for the FBI and the work they do every day to protect this country,” UFC CEO Dana 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.”