FBI Director Kash Patel is considering an unusual approach to elevate the fitness levels of his agents by partnering with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), according to recent reports. The newly appointed FBI Director expressed his desire to collaborate with the UFC during a video conference call with top agents across the country, as per sources from ABC News and The New York Times.
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Patel, who was sworn in as the new FBI director on February 21, outlined his plans during the call, which also touched on his interest in joining the FBI hockey team and some initial mix-up between terms like ‘intelligence’ and ‘counterintelligence’. The discussions about potential collaboration with the UFC raised eyebrows, given the close ties of UFC CEO Dana White to the Trump administration. However, a spokesperson from the mixed martial arts company mentioned to Sportico that they were unaware of any formal talks with the FBI on the matter.
The unorthodox suggestions made by Patel during the video conference come amidst his history of criticism towards the FBI. Patel has previously labelled the agency as “illegitimate” and “completely politicized,” particularly targeting the investigation into the alleged ties between Russia and Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign. Moreover, Patel has been vocal about his concerns regarding the FBI’s methods, including unfounded claims about Twitter censorship and the alleged coercion of Jan. 6 rioters.
Despite his lack of experience as a senior law enforcement official, Patel’s appointment as the FBI Director was narrowly confirmed, with promises of enforcing accountability and constitutional oversight within the agency. Patel’s remarks at his swearing-in ceremony stressed a commitment to preventing any politicization or retributive actions within the FBI, aiming for accountability both internally and externally.
On his Kash’s Corner podcast for the Epoch Times, known for disseminating far-right conspiracy theories, Patel has continued to voice his distrust of the FBI and DOJ, accusing them of manipulating targets and fabricating crimes. These sentiments align with his previous assertions that the agency engaged in a witch-hunt and hoax during the investigation into the 2016 election campaign.
While Patel’s unconventional leadership style and proposed partnerships with the UFC may raise concerns within the FBI and beyond, his resolve to instigate change within the agency appears resolute. The potential collaboration with the UFC for fitness training stands as a unique approach to enhancing the physical preparedness of FBI agents, reflecting Patel’s innovative strategies in leading the bureau forward.
As the FBI under Patel’s leadership seeks to navigate these uncharted waters, the implications of such partnerships and criticisms are yet to unfold fully. The intersection of sports training and law enforcement reflects a broader trend towards unconventional methods in enhancing agent capabilities, highlighting a unique approach to addressing the evolving challenges faced by federal investigative agencies.
In conclusion, Patel’s aspirations to shake up the traditional norms within the FBI and explore new avenues for agent training underscore a period of transition and transformation within the agency under his leadership. The potential partnership with the UFC signals a departure from conventional practices, hinting at a dynamic and potentially controversial era ahead for the FBI under Patel’s guidance.