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UFC Gym franchise to expand in Australia

Sarah Stowe

If you’re looking for something more than a traditional gym, the news that UFC Gym is expanding its franchise across Australia might spark your interest.

UFC Gym is the first major brand extension of UFC, the world leader in the sport of mixed martial arts with events such as the recent high profile UFC 193: Rousey vs Holm fight.

The US based chain of gyms combines mixed martial arts (MMA) with fitness. The business began in 2009, and now has more than 135 sites in the US, Canada and Australia, including 11 flagship, usually corporate-owned, clubs.

Fifty new gyms are expected to open globally this year.

UFC Gym CEO Brent Leffel said “It’s exciting to partner with the Ultimate Franchising Group as they embark on an aggressive plan of expansion for UFC Gym in Australia.”

The executive vice president of Australia, Tom Wright, said “The UFC Gym flagship location in Sydney has performed extremely well since it opened and we believe this partnership will unlock additional growth paralleled with the continued evolution of UFC’s brand.”

What’s on offer for gym members is a range of fitness classes that includes group and private MMA training, performance-based training, kickboxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, women’s self-defence as well as youth programs for MMA and its signature classes.

CEO Maz Hagemrad said the gym’s programs with a ‘Train Different’ ethos promote “focus, respect, integrity and discipline, in addition to strong physical health. 

“The opportunity to be involved with the UFC GYM brand in Australia is unprecedented for prospective franchisees,” he added.

“Our strategic focus for 2016 is to have three new locations open with a further three in development.

“We will be focusing on at least one location in Brisbane and Melbourne and a second in Sydney,” said Hagemrad.

The franchised boutique gyms offer a similar program to the Signature flagship clubs but allow franchisees to enter the business at a lower cost and enjoy simplified operations.