Remember when TKO execs stated that they were losing money on the UFC White House event expending up to $30 million of its own money? Well, it looks like they are getting it back as documents uncovered by the Washington Sun reflect the FBI seeking to contract the UFC to teach its agents combat.
The records made public under the title “JUSTIFCATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION…” redact the “Estimated Contract Dollar Value” but the dated request is June 2, 2026 and it is for the FBI to work with the UFC for at least one year. “The purpose of the training is to enhance physical combat abilities, mental toughness, and tactical awareness, which are crucial for special agents in high-risk situations.”
“Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is uniquely qualified to provide these services to the FBI based upon the following:
UFC has demonstrated an expertise in all of the mixed martial arts skills that are demonstrated in the PWS. The trainers provided by UFC have the skills necessary to instruct striking techniques, grappling/takedowns, weapon defense, ground control, as well as conditioning to the standard that the FBI expects and requires. Though other vendors found through market research demonstrate some of these skills, none are able to provide a training that encompasses all of these at the expertise that is required by the PWS.
In addition to this, no other vendor has experience providing this training that is specific to the FBI. Given the time constraints for this requirement, only UFC has the experience necessary to provide FBI ready training with the time that is allowed.
Notably, the request is that the UFC obtain the contract with the government with no other bids for the work requested. This allows the FBI to hire who it wants without having a slow, open competitive bidding process. The UFC and its contracted fighters have had training sessions with FBI agents which seemed to be merely a photo-op. But this request seems to surmise that UFC fighters will train FBI agents in combat maneuvers. But, MMA provides a variety of defenses. What and how will they implement these types of defense systems and more importantly, who will be doing this?
Another issue is that one would think the fighters would be the best individuals to instruct agents but, in my opinion, I don’t think the money is “trickled down” to the fighters. Moreso, it would seem as though the administration is playing favorites with the UFC and the contract is a way to “pay them back” for Trump to do public relations appearances at UFC events and spend money on the UFC White House event.
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