FBI director explores UFC training to boost agents’ combat skills

FBI Director Kash Patel is considering a proposal to incorporate trainers from the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) into the bureau’s training programmes to enhance agents’ martial arts and self-defense skills.

The idea was discussed during a video conference call with FBI field office supervisors earlier this week, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Patel, who recently took office as the FBI’s new director, presented the concept during his first call with the 55 field office supervisors. The idea was met with mixed reactions, with some current FBI agents labeling it as "surreal" and "wacky." The FBI declined to comment on the proposal, and the UFC also issued a statement clarifying that they were "not aware of any information regarding UFC and FBI training."

During the call, Patel noted that Dan Bongino, a far-right podcaster and Trump's pick for the FBI’s deputy director, is a big UFC fan and had inspired him to explore the possibility of involving UFC trainers in the FBI’s physical training regimen. Patel expressed enthusiasm about the idea, indicating that he was open to exploring a potential partnership between the FBI and the UFC. However, some critics have raised concerns over the proposal. 

One former Justice Department official argued that if Patel felt the need to improve agents’ training in physical altercations, he should not rely on UFC’s association with Trump’s close friend, UFC President Dana White. The official described the idea as “motivated by the glitz and glamour show, and Trump's friend.” Details on how such a partnership would be structured remain unclear, and it is uncertain how UFC trainers would integrate into the FBI’s current training programmes. 

Patel has already made a significant impact on the FBI since assuming office, with one of his first major decisions being a plan to transfer around 1,500 FBI employees from Washington to field offices around the country, including a new office in Huntsville, Alabama. This decision is part of his broader vision for reshaping the FBI’s operations. Patel has also discussed plans to move the FBI’s headquarters out of Washington, D.C., and reform the practice that requires agents to serve 18 months at headquarters before being eligible for supervisory roles. 

These changes, which Patel outlined in his book Government Gangsters, are aimed at decentralizing the agency and giving field offices more influence. Patel reiterated his commitment to reshaping staffing within the FBI, focusing on redistributing personnel into the field. He also mentioned that Bongino would begin visiting field offices after taking on his new role in mid-March.

By Naila Huseynova