FBI Director Kash Patel proposes a partnership with UFC to improve agents’ fitness, but UFC denies any formal discussions.

FBI Director Kash Patel, appointed just a week ago, has already made waves with a surprising proposal during his first videoconference with top agents around the country.

According to reports, Patel suggested that the FBI should partner with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) to enhance the fitness levels of FBI agents.

While this idea may seem out of the blue, it aligns with Patel’s unconventional leadership style, which has drawn attention ever since his confirmation.

UFC, known for its high-intensity mixed martial arts competitions, is led by CEO Dana White, who has deep ties to the Trump administration, having supported former President Donald Trump throughout his tenure and even speaking at the 2024 Republican National Convention.

However, despite Patel’s enthusiasm, UFC representatives have since said they were unaware of any formal discussions regarding this potential collaboration, leaving many to question whether this idea will come to fruition.

The videoconference, which took place on February 26, 2025, had its usual discussions regarding the agency’s operations, but Patel’s suggestion that the FBI collaborate with UFC raised eyebrows among those present.

UFC, a well-established sports organization, is known for its grueling athletic training programs that could, in theory, help improve the physical conditioning of FBI agents.

Patel’s proposal comes as part of his push to bring new energy to the FBI and enhance its operations, though this suggestion is certainly a departure from the traditional ways law enforcement agencies boost agent performance.

UFC has yet to comment officially on the matter, and no official partnership discussions have been confirmed.

Kash Patel’s appointment as FBI director was far from smooth. Although he was confirmed on February 21, 2025, Patel’s lack of experience in senior law enforcement roles raised concerns.

He has been vocal in his criticism of the FBI, calling it “illegitimate” and “completely politicized.”

His remarks have sparked controversy, as he has frequently dismissed key investigations, including the FBI’s probe into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election, labeling it a “witch hunt.”

Patel’s appointment to the top position at the FBI is a significant shift, especially given his previous remarks about the agency’s actions, such as accusing the FBI of unjustly targeting conservatives.

Despite this background, Patel is pushing forward with a vision for reform at the FBI, pledging accountability and constitutional oversight. He has repeatedly assured that there will be no politicization at the FBI under his leadership.

His goals also extend to improving the physical readiness of agents, as shown by his comments about introducing UFC’s rigorous fitness standards into the agency.

While the fitness collaboration proposal grabbed attention, the videoconference included other noteworthy moments.

Patel’s informal remarks reportedly included discussions about joining the FBI’s hockey team, further adding to the sense that his approach to leadership might be unconventional and less traditional.

Additionally, during the meeting, Patel was noted for confusing the terms “intelligence” and “counterintelligence,” a mix-up that raised some concerns about his understanding of the intricacies of the agency’s mission.

Patel’s confirmation itself was a narrow victory, as critics questioned his readiness to lead such an important agency. His previous role as a key ally of Donald Trump, coupled with his past comments on the FBI’s activities, has made Patel a polarizing figure.

However, his leadership is now being tested in a real-world environment where decisions and ideas, such as his proposal to partner with UFC, could have significant consequences for the future of the bureau.

As the FBI’s new director, Patel faces a challenging road ahead, particularly in navigating internal FBI dynamics and external political pressures.

His appointment comes at a time when the agency’s reputation is under scrutiny, and his critics are eager to see how he handles the agency’s delicate balance of independence and accountability.

Patel’s controversial past, including his claims about the FBI’s alleged politicization and influence on social media platforms like Twitter, will continue to follow him as he works to establish his authority over the bureau.

Despite his rocky start, Patel’s leadership has begun to make waves within the FBI. His call for stronger oversight and his push for fitness and health programs could resonate with many within the agency who feel that change is necessary.

However, the question remains: will the UFC partnership become a reality, or will it remain a curious footnote in Patel’s early days at the helm of the FBI?

Only time will tell whether this unorthodox proposal leads to a shift in how FBI agents train or if it will simply be another bold idea that fizzles out.

While the relationship between UFC and the FBI remains uncertain, Patel’s commitment to pushing for change is clear. The coming months will reveal whether his leadership will be defined by controversy or by successful reforms that reshape the FBI’s future.