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BUDDY DEAL

Keystone Kash Launches Bonkers FBI Training Bid

A top ally of President Donald Trump may soon score an exclusive deal with the FBI.

A photo illustration of an FBI agent standing in an MMA UFC fighting cage.

Photo Illustration by Thomas Levinson/The Daily Beast/Getty

FBI Director Kash Patel hopes to award the UFC a sole-source contract to train federal agents, a new report has revealed.

The FBI is choosing UFC, run by President Donald Trump’s pal, Dana White, because it claims it is the only vendor that can properly train agents in the necessary defense techniques, according to a document justifying the request that Law360 obtained.

“UFC has demonstrated an expertise in all of the mixed martial arts skills that are demonstrated in the [performance work statement],” the FBI writes, according to Law360. “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.”

Donald Trump and Dana White

UFC CEO Dana White, 57, is a top ally of the 80-year-old President Donald Trump.

Evan Vucci/Reuters

The FBI claims that market research determined no other contractor could meet these needs.

“As agents face varying threats on missions, they must be prepared to defend themselves against varying attacks which include mixed martial arts,” the FBI adds. “This contract must be sole-sourced to UFC, as they are the only vendor who can provide training that includes all of these styles at the level of expertise that is required by the FBI.”

The FBI is reportedly seeking a one-year contract, but it is unclear how much taxpayer money would go to the UFC. The bureau did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Kash Patel was seated behind UFC CEO Dana White and President Donald Trump during a 2025 fight night.

Kash Patel was seated behind UFC CEO Dana White and President Donald Trump during a 2025 fight night.

MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images

The UFC touted an agreement with the FBI in March to provide similar training at its Quantico, Virginia, training academy. A news release at the time said it was hosting an “exclusive training seminar for academy students as well as senior FBI staff from around the world.”

Patel name-dropped White in a statement announcing the earlier collaboration.

“Dana White has changed the game in the mixed martial arts industry, and we’re extremely honored to be partnered with him, the professionals, and the UFC,” he said. “We are grateful for their shared love of our nation, so that we can better defend her.”

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White has been among Trump’s biggest allies in sports and entertainment. The UFC CEO even paid to set up and host a fight night on the White House lawn in June, during which the fighter Josh Hokit screamed a vile slur about Michelle Obama. After the event, White said the UFC paid millions to put it on.

“Shout-out to Trump for having the balls to put some s--- like this on,” Hokit told Joe Rogan in a post-fight interview. He went on to thank his “Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” then looked directly into the camera and yelled, “Michelle Obama is a man! Am I right, America?”

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