FBI Director Kash Patel has floated the idea of using Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) trainers to improve agents’ martial arts skills, according to four people familiar with the plan.
Patel raised the proposal during his first video call with the FBI’s 55 field office supervisors on Wednesday. Two sources briefed on the discussion described the idea as "surreal" and "wacky."
The FBI declined to comment on the plan, and UFC has not yet responded.
President Donald Trump, a longtime fan of mixed martial arts, attended a UFC event in New York shortly after his election victory in November. UFC President Dana White, a close friend of Trump, has supported him in past campaigns.
During the call, Patel credited Dan Bongino, a far-right podcaster and Trump ally, with inspiring the initiative. Bongino, set to become the FBI's deputy director in mid-March, is reportedly a UFC fan. Patel suggested exploring a partnership with the organization for training purposes.
A former Justice Department official, speaking anonymously, criticized the move, calling it "clearly motivated by glitz and glamour" rather than operational needs.
Since taking office last week, Patel has already begun restructuring the FBI. He has ordered the relocation of 1,500 employees from Washington, D.C., to field offices and an FBI site in Huntsville, Alabama. His book, Government Gangsters, outlines plans to decentralize FBI operations and reduce staffing at headquarters.
Patel reaffirmed his commitment to these changes during the field office call. He also announced that Bongino will begin visiting FBI offices shortly after assuming his role in March.
It remains unclear how a partnership between the FBI and UFC would function.
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