Back in February, during a high-level meeting with the 55 division heads of the FBI, Indian-origin government official and fight enthusiast Kash Patel stirred the pot with a bold proposition. As discussions unfolded, the newly appointed FBI Director floated an unexpected idea—partnering with the UFC, the haven for the best MMA fighters in the world, to train FBI agents with the same rigor and techniques used by professional juggernauts. It is safe to say that the proposal quickly made waves.

Well, it wasn’t long ago that the UFC was slammed as “human cockfighting” by politicians. Remember Senator John McCain and his brigade to push out the sport from every US state? Now, that same organization is being eyed as a potential partner to help mold elite law enforcement operatives. And with UFC CEO Dana White and longtime ally Donald Trump in the corner, the vision isn’t just wild—it’s suddenly plausible.

Still, not everyone in the room was convinced. Two anonymous attendees reportedly told Reuters that the pitch felt “wacky” and “surreal.” Despite the skepticism, Dana White confirmed just last month that the talks are very real. “Kash Patel and the FBI are dead serious about this,” he stated, a sentiment also supported by UFC heavyweight kingpin Jon Jones. Now, the Bossman is doubling down.

In a recent appearance on Fox News, White defended the idea while speaking on POTUS Donald Trump’s daughter-in-law Lara Trump’s show ‘My View,’ brushing aside the backlash. “For people that don’t know, I mean, UFC fighters have been training with law enforcement and military guys for years,” Dana explained. “When you talk about hand-to-hand combat, these guys [FBI agents] should know jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai—all the different disciplines that make up mixed martial arts. Everybody wants to make everything controversial—there’s nothing controversial about this.”

White’s argument holds weight. Many MMA fighters have trained alongside military personnel in the past, further merging the worlds of combat sports and military training. A prime example occurred in July 2024, when UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland sparred with former Navy SEAL and professional MMA fighter Mitch Aguiar. Strickland had extended an open invitation for Aguiar to join him in the gym, which was made possible after Aguiar signed a waiver.

Inside the gym, Strickland quickly dominated the ex-SEAL with a series of brutal kicks, sparking a familiar question: Should military veterans train like MMA fighters? The decision ultimately lies with the audience, but let’s take a look at what internet personality Tristan Tate had to say on the matter.

Tristan Tate gives his verdict on UFC fighters vs. world leaders’ bodyguards

While world leaders’ bodyguards are often in their prime, having typically served as elite military personnel, it’s not about which division or branch they come from. Whether it’s Russian President Vladimir Putin or Chinese President Xi Jinping, these bodyguards have risen through the military’s highest ranks, holding the power to eliminate a trained killer while making the critical decision to either kill or protect.

This brings up a compelling question: how dangerous would a confrontation between MMA fighters and world leader bodyguards be? The debate sparked when a fan in a thread asked Tristan Tate whether UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall could take on the bodyguards of world leaders. Tate gave his perspective:

“With respect to Aspinall, I wouldn’t bet on that. These guys won’t strike or go for submissions. Throat/Groin/Eyes. They’re trained killers, not trained fighters. You think they train less than him? You think they aren’t constantly drilling and perfecting kill techniques? No. These are not the overweight nightclub heavies that ‘bodyguard celebrities.’ They are an entirely different class of human.”

What’s your take on the collaboration between Dana White & Co. and the FBI? Do you believe this partnership will benefit the country, or is it simply a waste of taxpayers’ money? Share your thoughts below.