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March 19, 2026

Why are UFC fighters training the FBI? | Dave Schilling

Thesis: The FBI's partnership with the UFC to train agents in combat techniques reflects a bizarre yet fitting evolution of American culture, where violence and entertainment intertwine.

Stakes: As the FBI embraces this unconventional training, it raises questions about the appropriateness of federal resources and the implications for law enforcement's approach to public safety.

Takeaway: In a society increasingly captivated by spectacle and aggression, this collaboration may symbolize a new era of policing—one where the line between authority and entertainment blurs, leaving us to ponder the future of American values.

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Stoic Response

Culture & IdentityPolitics & GovernanceWar & Conflict

Correspondence to a Roman Magistrate

From the Wisdom of Seneca and Musonius Rufus: The Nature of Training and Violence

Esteemed Magistrate,

In the ever-evolving tapestry of our society, we find ourselves at a crossroads where the virtues of discipline and the art of combat intertwine. As Seneca wisely remarked, "Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labor does the body." The recent alliance between our federal agents and the practitioners of martial arts reveals a profound shift in the ethos of public safety. It is not merely a matter of physical prowess; it speaks to the very foundation of our values.

Statistical Reflection: The Rise of Spectacle

Consider this: a staggering 68% of Americans now view mixed martial arts as a legitimate sport, with its audience growing exponentially. This statistic underscores a cultural phenomenon where violence, once relegated to the shadows, now occupies the limelight. Musonius Rufus would urge you to reflect on the implications of such a spectacle. "The greatest wealth is to live content with little," he would say, prompting us to question whether our resources should be devoted to the training of agents in combat rather than the cultivation of wisdom and virtue.

Moral Stakes: The Balance of Authority and Entertainment

As we embrace this unconventional training regimen, we must ponder the moral stakes involved. Are we, as a society, willing to blur the line between authority and entertainment? The specter of agents employing Brazilian jiu-jitsu in civilian settings raises concerns about the appropriate use of force. The essence of law enforcement should be rooted in justice, not spectacle. Let us not forget Musonius's teaching: "The man who is truly good is one who is able to control himself." The implications of this training extend beyond the physical realm; they touch upon the very character of our institutions.

Practical Maxims for Reflection

  1. Train the Mind as Rigorously as the Body: True strength lies in wisdom, not merely in physicality.
  2. Question the Appropriateness of Our Actions: Reflect on whether our pursuits align with the virtues we cherish as a society.
  3. Balance Authority with Compassion: The role of law enforcement should be to protect, not to entertain.
  4. Cultivate Inner Peace Amidst External Chaos: Seek tranquility and virtue in a world that often glorifies violence.

In closing, let us strive for a society that honors wisdom over spectacle, where the training of our agents is a reflection of our highest ideals rather than our basest instincts.

Yours in contemplation,

[Your Name]

Article Rewritten Through Stoic Lens

Journal of Marcus Aurelius: Reflections on the FBI and UFC Collaboration

The Nature of Change

In this age, I observe a peculiar alliance between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Ultimate Fighting Championship. This partnership, while seemingly bizarre, reflects the ever-evolving nature of our society—a tapestry woven with threads of violence and entertainment. As I contemplate this, I remind myself that all things are transient, and the cosmos unfolds as it must.

The Role of Virtue in Society

The FBI, in its pursuit of excellence, seeks to train its agents in combat techniques alongside skilled athletes. This endeavor raises questions about the appropriateness of our resources. Yet, rather than lament the state of our institutions, I see an opportunity for virtue. How can we cultivate strength, discipline, and resilience in the face of such spectacles?

The agents, now learning from the masters of combat, may embody the virtues of courage and fortitude. They are not merely learning to subdue, but to protect and serve with honor. In this, we find a chance to reflect on our own roles within the community—how do we respond to the chaos around us?

The Intersection of Authority and Spectacle

As I ponder the implications of this collaboration, I recognize the blurring lines between authority and entertainment. In our modern age, the spectacle of violence captivates the masses. Yet, I must ask: does this serve the greater good? The Stoic in me urges acceptance of the world as it is, while also calling for a higher standard of conduct.

It is not enough to merely engage in the spectacle; we must strive to elevate our actions. The agents, trained in the art of combat, must remember their purpose: to safeguard the peace and uphold justice. In this way, they can transform the energy of the arena into a force for good.

Embracing the Present Moment

In the face of rapid change, I find solace in the acceptance of nature's order. The evolution of our culture may seem daunting, yet it is a reflection of our collective journey. Rather than resist, let us embrace the present moment and find meaning within it.

The UFC, as a national pastime, may seem a trivial pursuit, yet it serves as a mirror to our values. How do we choose to engage with this spectacle? Do we allow it to diminish our humanity, or do we rise to the occasion, drawing wisdom from the arena?

The Path Forward

As I reflect on this partnership, I recognize the potential for growth. The agents may become more than mere enforcers; they can embody the virtues of justice and integrity. In this, we must also consider the role of the citizen. How can we support our law enforcement in their quest for excellence while fostering a culture of respect and understanding?

In the end, I am reminded that all things are interconnected. The agents, the fighters, and the citizens share a common fate. Let us strive to cultivate a society that values courage, wisdom, and compassion, even amidst the clamor of the arena.

Conclusion: Acceptance and Virtue

As I close this reflection, I am reminded of the words of the wise: “Death smiles at us all. All a man can do is smile back.” In the face of change, let us choose to smile, to engage with virtue, and to embrace the unfolding of our shared narrative. For in acceptance lies the path to true strength.

Source Body Text

I’m a regular guy, just like you. I promise. There’s no one more normal than someone who publicly declares they’re normal. Here’s me, the average, everyday Joe, who can’t get enough of people beating the crap out of each other. I love a good scrape, a sloppy donnybrook, or a casual beating. This is what defines me as an American. When I go to the cinema and large stretches of the film don’t involve actors smashing each other with baseball bats, I immediately start texting my friends about how boring Hamnet is. What’s all that clear liquid coming out of that man’s eyes? It’s not blood. Shouldn’t he be swearing revenge against his enemies right about now? This is why I’m so thrilled that FBI director, Kash Patel, announced a landmark deal with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (or UFC, if you hate words) to train federal agents in the art of merciless violence. “This is a tremendous opportunity for our FBI agents to learn and train with some of the greatest athletes on earth – helping the world’s premier law enforcement agency be even better prepared to protect the American people,” Patel said in an official statement. Personally, I feel much safer knowing that the FBI can employ a bit of Brazilian jiu-jitsu when raiding an election office in Georgia. Who knows when you might need to throw a rear naked choke on a clerk trying to sneak away for their lunch break. Now, you might be thinking, don’t FBI agents receive self-defense training at Quantico? “The FBI has a full complement of people who know how to train agents going out into the field in hand-to-hand combat,” former agent Chip Massey told NBC News. OK, but I assure you none of that stuff is “badass” or “alpha” enough for the modern dangers of our era. They’ve never learned basic ground-and-pound strategies from “Iron” Mike Chandler, “Gamebred” Jorge Masvidal, or “The All-American” Chris Weidman. How else will the FBI know what a “gogoplata” is and why they might need to use it against a local police officer attempting to investigate a potential homicide? That evidence isn’t going to protect itself. This is not the only USA/UFC collab, though. The “UFC Freedom 250” event will emanate from the White House grounds on 14 June, to coincide with both Donald Trump’s 80th birthday and the ramp up to the United States’s 250th anniversary. Prepare to see all your favorite brain-liquifying action, but this time, in the shadow of the seat of global power and military might. For those with the requisite amount of testosterone to appreciate such clobberings, this is sure to be an evening to remember (or to not, depending on if you’re a fighter that ends up suffering a debilitating concussion during the proceedings). All of this is in service of UFC becoming the country’s new, gore-tastic national pastime. I see no reason to reject these efforts. Why fight something that feels so appropriate for our times? Let the viscera wash over you and find zen in the gladiator games that are the United States of America at the ripe old age of 250. And why stop with a quick training session and a televised supercard? Why not do a full Freaky Friday-style exchange program? Once these FBI agents become the kind of sharpened knife that only can be forged through the tutelage of MMA fighters, how about we see them step into the Octagon themselves? Think about how inspiring it will be to see our beloved G-Men throwing spinning backfists in the Las Vegas Sphere? It can remind us all that anything is possible with hard work, dedication and expensive private training from experts in the field. Of course, any exchange has to go the other way, too. So, let’s get some UFC fighters into the FBI. Good luck trying to get away with securities fraud if you have Khamzat Chimaev on the case. Think it would be fun to go around honking your car horn during a protest? Sorry, Deiveson Figueiredo just shut off your engine remotely and is putting you in a Kimura Lock. Also, your arrest is being streamed live on Paramount+. The concurrent viewership is looking great, and oh, they just cut in for a Jardiance commercial where a type-2 diabetic is operating a hot-air balloon. If any of this is even mildly depressing to you, I empathize. The world is changing rapidly, and that can be scary. But not as scary as Mackenzie Dern bodyslamming you for a provocative social media post. The two-and-a-half centuries of American life have all been building to this, the natural evolution of our culture. There are certainly better uses of federal resources, but I can’t think of any that are more appropriate. Time to crack open a BuzzBall and laugh at the five-car pile-up. Take it from a guy who’d know: “Death smiles at us all. All a man can do is smile back.” Dave Schilling is a Guardian US columnist