UFC CEO Dana White asserts that FBI director Kash Patel`s concept of a potential collaboration between the UFC organization and the federal law enforcement agency is entirely logical and should not be viewed as controversial.
The idea was initially raised by Patel in February during a meeting with FBI field office leaders nationwide, proposing that UFC athletes could provide training to agents. Although the suggestion initially met with some skepticism, White later confirmed that Patel was serious about forming a partnership aimed at enhancing agents` practical skills for their work.
Patel, a dedicated fan who recently attended UFC 314 in Miami, has discussed this prospect with White. The UFC CEO is convinced that such a relationship would be beneficial for agents operating in the field.
Speaking to Fox News, White explained, “For people that don’t know, UFC fighters have been training law enforcement, military guys for years. When you talk about hand-to-hand combat, these guys should know jiu-jitsu and they should know Muay Thai and all the different things that are the basics of mixed martial arts.”
He dismissed any notion of controversy, stating, “There’s nothing controversial about it. All of these guys should be trained in [MMA] and they should all be in shape and be able to defend themselves. Kash Patel was dead serious when he said that and he and I have talked about it.”
While a formal agreement is not yet in place, White appears confident it will materialize, highlighting the UFC`s readiness to support the FBI in any way possible.
White`s point about the existing connection between fighters, coaches, and local law enforcement globally is accurate. For instance, acclaimed coach Greg Jackson conducted a long-running program in New Mexico, working with law enforcement and SWAT personnel.
Furthermore, John McCarthy, widely regarded as one of the most influential referees in MMA history, served as an instructor for tactics and self-defense with the Los Angeles Police Department.
In the long term, the UFC CEO believes this partnership would significantly benefit agents looking to acquire additional skills.
“Any of these guys that are in these type of roles, any type of law enforcement, they should be able to defend themselves without guns if that situation happens,” White stated.
