Dana White, UFC 288 Pre-Combat Press Convention Credit score; Jake Noecker/Cageside Press
New FBI Director Kash Patel is only a week or so into his new job, and he’s already making waves, and headlines.
Patel, whose affirmation as FBI Director got here in a razor-close 51-49 vote earlier than the U.S. Senate, just lately went on report suggesting that UFC fighters practice the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s brokers. Whereas regulation enforcement studying martial arts techniques is nothing new, the concept of present UFC fighters taking trip to work with the company is definitely elevating eyebrows.
It’s additionally underscoring the shut ties between Patel and U.S. President Donald Trump on one aspect (Patel is a Trump loyalist), and Trump and UFC CEO and President Dana White on the opposite.
UFC fighters, extra continuously of their post-fight careers, have each served among the many ranks of regulation enforcement (Chris Daukaus did in order an lively fighter), and as trainers to varied police companies. Jorge Gurgel, a former UFC fighter himself, did simply that with the Lewisburg Police Division again in 2019.
Nonetheless, having lively UFC fighters coaching the FBI is one other matter solely. And the battle of curiosity given President Trump’s shut ties with White (he’s usually appeared at UFC occasions) would irk many throughout the political spectrum.
A narrative by Reuters on Thursday underscored the pushback in opposition to the concept. “There is training the FBI receives in physical altercations. If Kash Patel believed that should be beefed up, the answer is not to go to Donald Trump’s best friend who runs the UFC,” a former Justice Division official, talking anonymously, informed the company. “It’s clearly motivated by the glitz and glamour show, and Trump’s friend.”
Dana White was a agency supporter of Donald Trump forward of the 2024 U.S. election, however has acknowledged he has no want to enter into politics himself.
A UFC official informed Reuters with reference to Patel floating the concept that the promotion was “not aware of any information regarding UFC and FBI training.”
