March 12 (UPI) — Current and former mixed martial arts athletes — including lightweight champion Justin Gaethje — are expected to train FBI agents and trainees this weekend at the agency’s academy in Quantico, Va., the two organizations announced.
The UFC described the training as a “historic first-of-its-kind collaboration,” which is scheduled to take place Saturday and Sunday at the FBI Special Agent Academy.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the training will allow the law enforcement agency to better defend the United States.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for our FBI agents to learn and train with some of the greatest athletes on earth — helping the world’s premier law enforcement agency be even better prepared to protect the American people,” Patel said in a statement Wednesday.
In addition to Gaethje, current and former UFC athletes expected to be involved in the seminar are Jorge Masvidal, Chris Weidman, Claudia Gadelha, Michael Chandler, Manel Kape and Renzo Gracie.
UFC CEO Dana White, who said he supports the FBI in its work, endorsed President Donald Trump during all three of his presidential campaigns and donated upwards of $1 million to his election efforts.
“Our UFC fighters are some of the baddest men and women on the planet and they are heading to Quantico to train the best FBI agents in mixed martial arts,” White said. “It’s an incredible opportunity for our athletes to experience, and we’re proud to support the FBI in strengthening their defense techniques.”
This isn’t the only collaboration between UFC and the Trump administration in the coming months. The UFC is expected to mark the United States’ 250th anniversary with a fight between Gaethje and Ilia Topuria on the South Lawn of the White House, The Hill reported. The bout is scheduled to take place June 14, also marking Trump’s 80th birthday.