Washington DC - FBI Director Kash Patel recently revived his push to help the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) win a contract to train FBI agents in mixed martial arts.
According to a document recently shared by MS Now, the FBI argued that UFC trainers "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 document further argues agents "must be prepared to defend themselves against varying attacks, and insists the UFC was the only company for the job.
"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," it added.
It was originally reported last February that Patel began floating the idea just a week after he was appointed to his role as head of the FBI, telling the bureau's 55 field office supervisors in a video call that he was inspired after a private training session.
In his second term, President Donald Trump and his administration have faced countless allegations of granting contracts to allies, evading the usual bid process of finding the best company for the job.
The UFC is owned by Dana White, a longtime ally of Trump's who has used the sport's platform to promote the politician.
White's allegiance has been rewarded with a number of contracts, including Trump hosting a UFC match on the lawn of the White House back in June.