Keystone Kash Launches Bonkers FBI Training Bid
Win McNamee / Getty Images 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.” 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.
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.” 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.
5News aggregated this summary from the outlet’s public feed. The full article, with all the context, is on www.thedailybeast.com — the content belongs to The Daily Beast.