During a Wednesday teleconference with the heads of the FBI’s 55 field offices, Patel suggested establishing a formal relationship with the UFC, the martial arts entertainment powerhouse led by CEO Dana White, a prominent supporter of former President Donald Trump. The partnership could involve developing fitness programs tailored for FBI agents, sources said.
The weekly teleconference, a long-standing tradition for field office leaders, marked Patel’s first since being sworn in as director on Friday. His UFC proposal quickly circulated among current and former FBI officials, sparking both curiosity and skepticism.
“If the goal is to improve physical fitness, the UFC certainly has expertise in that area,” said Rich Frankel, a former FBI special agent in charge of the Newark, New Jersey, office and an ABC News contributor.
While the specifics of Patel’s proposal remain unclear, the idea of leveraging the UFC’s resources to enhance agent training has drawn attention. The UFC, based in Las Vegas—where Patel now resides—is renowned for its elite athletes and rigorous fitness regimens.
Broader Concerns Within the FBI
Patel’s UFC proposal was just one topic discussed during the call. The new director also sought to address growing concerns among FBI agents following recent controversies. Last month, the Justice Department demanded a list of agents involved in investigations related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, suggesting that even those following orders could face termination.
Additionally, Patel’s announcement that up to 1,500 FBI headquarters employees in Washington, D.C., would be reassigned to field offices and a new facility in Huntsville, Alabama, has caused unease. A recent email from the Office of Personnel Management, requiring federal employees to document their weekly accomplishments or risk termination, has further fueled anxiety within the bureau.
During the call, Patel expressed his own concerns about the email and criticized confusing follow-up communications from the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency, overseen by billionaire Elon Musk.
Patel’s Vision for the FBI
Patel used the call to highlight the FBI’s critical role in combating crime and national security threats, urging agents to give him a chance to prove himself as their leader. However, he also issued a stern warning against leaks and what he described as insubordination.
Despite the broader discussions, it was Patel’s UFC proposal that generated the most buzz. Dana White, the UFC’s wealthy CEO, has long been a close ally of Trump, contributing significantly to his reelection campaign and joining him on stage during his victory speech in November.
Trump has frequently praised the UFC, calling it “one of the most successful sports enterprises” and crediting himself for helping the organization gain traction in its early days. Just days after the 2024 election, Trump attended a high-profile UFC event at Madison Square Garden, seated alongside White and Musk.
A Controversial but Intriguing Idea
While some see potential in Patel’s proposal, others remain cautious. Frankel, who spent over two decades with the FBI, noted that some field offices have previously enlisted martial arts experts to train agents. However, he emphasized that any partnership with the UFC should be carefully managed.
“Improving physical fitness standards could benefit the FBI,” Frankel said. “But I wouldn’t want the UFC to take over the gym.”
As Patel settles into his new role, his UFC proposal underscores his unconventional approach to leading the FBI—a move that could either modernize the agency or deepen existing tensions.
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