UFC CEO Dana White sees nothing controversial about the potential partnership between the UFC and the FBI proposed by Director Kash Patel, stating that it is a perfectly logical idea.
Earlier this year in February, during a meeting with FBI field office heads nationwide, Patel suggested the concept of having UFC athletes train agents. While initially met with some doubt, White later confirmed that Patel was genuinely serious about establishing a collaboration to equip agents with valuable skills for their work.
Patel, an enthusiastic UFC fan who recently attended UFC 314 in Miami, has discussed the potential alliance with White. The UFC CEO believes such a partnership would be significantly beneficial for agents in the field.
“UFC fighters have been training law enforcement and military personnel for many years,” White explained to Fox News. “When you talk about hand-to-hand combat, these individuals should have knowledge of jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, and the fundamental techniques of mixed martial arts.”
“People try to turn everything into a controversy, but there`s absolutely nothing controversial about this,” he continued. “All agents should receive training in MMA, maintain physical fitness, and be capable of defending themselves. Kash Patel was completely earnest when he proposed this, and we have spoken about it.”
Although no formal agreement has been finalized yet, White appears confident it will happen and emphasizes the UFC`s willingness to assist the FBI in any capacity.
White`s point about the existing relationship between fighters/coaches and law enforcement is accurate. For instance, renowned coach Greg Jackson ran a long-standing program in New Mexico working with local law enforcement and SWAT teams.
Additionally, John McCarthy, widely regarded as one of the most prominent referees in MMA history, has served as a tactics and self-defense instructor for the Los Angeles Police Department.
In White`s view, this potential long-term relationship would ultimately benefit agents by providing them with additional tools and capabilities.
“Any individual in these types of roles, any form of law enforcement, should possess the ability to defend themselves without needing a firearm if such a situation arises,” White stated.
