When people hear the term UFC Gym, it’s easy to assume it’s directly connected to the brutal and exciting world of UFC fights seen on television. However, there’s an important distinction to be made: UFC is a globally recognized MMA event, while UFC Gym is a commercial gym franchise inspired by its name.
In this article, we’ll clarify the difference between the two, explore the history and purpose of the UFC Gym, explain the rise of UFC as a sports organization, and introduce how other gyms-like Athlas Training Team-offer authentic MMA training that aligns with the spirit of what made UFC famous.
But, UFC is much more than just a sport you can watch. It’s also a major brand, and you can see the power of that brand in UFC Gym. It’s also a successful franchise business.
Since the first UFC Gym opened in 2009, the company has expanded rapidly, to the point where there are now UFC Gyms under development all over the globe and the company has earned a place in the 2018 Entrepreneur Franchise 500, ranking No.
UFC Gym is a fitness franchise that aims to provide high-quality workouts in gyms with features like an octagon, bag area, and weight room.
UFC Gym offers memberships at different levels of access depending on the model of gym developed. The company has more than 70 locations in the United States and Canada and is looking to expand internationally as well.
UFC Gym has its own radio station, which is broadcasted globally.
Rycon converted a former YMCA into a new three-floor 32,000 sf state-of-the-art UFC GYM. Promoted by former Pittsburgh Steelers Ryan Shazier as the ambassador, this is the third location in Pennsylvania to provide fitness, MMA-inspired conditioning, and world-class facilities.
Work involved selective demolition and structural stud framing to infill an existing indoor pool. A new storefront system and glass partition walls were installed, along with fit-outs for a gym and Jiu Jitsu mat room.
Additional work included new RTU systems, MEP upgrades, and renovation of an elevator car.
The Birth of UFC Gym
UFC Gym was launched in 2009 as a collaboration between the Ultimate Fighting Championship and New Evolution Ventures.
The goal was to bring world-class MMA-inspired training to everyday individuals-not just fighters.
The first location opened in Concord, California, and from there, the brand expanded rapidly across the United States and internationally.
These facilities aim to combine traditional fitness with MMA-style conditioning. Although many trainers in UFC Gym locations are not professional fighters, the gyms offer a wide range of classes including boxing fitness, kickboxing, Jiu-Jitsu-inspired conditioning, and high-intensity interval training.
For many, the name UFC Gym is attractive because it represents toughness, results, and motivation.
Train Different at UFC GYM
What Is the UFC? The Event Behind the Brand
To fully understand UFC Gym, one must first grasp what UFC truly is. The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) was founded in 1993.
What began as a tournament to discover the most effective martial art-pitting styles like boxing, Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and karate against each other-has evolved into the largest and most prestigious MMA organization in the world.
UFC events now feature elite athletes from various martial arts backgrounds. Fighters compete under unified rules inside the Octagon-a caged arena symbolic of MMA’s intense spirit.
UFC has been a global driver in popularizing mixed martial arts and transforming it into a professional sport with millions of fans.
UFC Expands into Boxing and Wrestling
In recent years, UFC has broadened its reach beyond MMA. In 2024, the organization launched a new initiative: UFC BJJ-a tournament-based event focused exclusively on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
This was followed by announcements of UFC-led boxing events and wrestling showcases, signaling a powerful movement toward integrating multiple combat disciplines under the UFC umbrella.
This shift shows that UFC is more than MMA. It’s becoming a platform for showcasing all forms of combat sports.
Fans can now follow grappling-only events, pro-style wrestling matches, and even boxing cards featuring up-and-coming strikers.
UFC Gym vs. Real MMA Training: Know the Difference
Although UFC Gym offers an exciting branding experience and structured group classes, it’s essential to differentiate it from professional MMA training.
Many people join a UFC Gym expecting real fight preparation, but instead receive general fitness classes with a combat theme. While there’s value in that model, those seeking true martial arts development often look for independent academies where the roots of each art are preserved.
The confusion is understandable. The UFC Gym logo often features the same branding as the UFC fight organization. Many new students walk into these facilities thinking they’ll be training alongside professional fighters or preparing for actual bouts.
In reality, UFC Gym targets the general fitness population, not competitive athletes. This misunderstanding can be frustrating for those who seek serious progress in combat sports.
That’s why it’s important to do your research and determine your goals before signing up. If you want to lose weight and enjoy themed workouts, a UFC Gym may work well. But if your goal is to fight, compete, or master martial arts, you’ll need a different path-one that leads to real academies.
UFC Gym as a Franchise
If you’re interested in opening a UFC Gym franchise near you, it’s important to understand what the UFC Gym brand stands for and what the franchise agreement involves.
UFC Gyms offer premium fitness facilities and specialised group classes that are particularly suitable for children and adults interested in learning mixed martial arts. However, they’re not exclusively used for MMA.
UFC GYM is the premium tier, offering a wide range of exceptional features and services. The unique selling point of UFC Gym is its association with the UFC brand.
Individuals interested in learning an MMA discipline or training for MMA are often prepared to pay a premium price to train in a gym that’s designed specifically for MMA fighters and enthusiasts.
As is common in franchise agreements, franchisees must agree to operate their UFC Gyms only within specific locations agreed upon with the franchisor.
Your agreement with UFC also outlines that your UFC Gym must maintain minimum gross revenues every year, and these revenues should be at least 80% of the average gross revenues across the UFC Gym brand.
It’s important to make sure that the UFC Gym brand is a good fit for you.
UFC Gyms are specialist gyms aimed primarily at the MMA market. The UFC Gym demographic is primarily younger people, including children, teens, families, and adults, who want to improve their overall fitness and strength and practice technical MMA skills.
It’s vital to take the target market of UFC Gyms into consideration when choosing your gym location. Towns and cities with young, affluent populations may be more profitable for the UFC brand than areas with less disposable income or aging populations.
There are relatively few UFC Gyms open, which means the brand is somewhat untested in this market.
As well as thinking about whether UFC is a good fit for you, it’s important to think about whether you’re a good fit for the UFC brand.
Steps to Opening a UFC Gym Franchise
The first step to opening a UFC Gym franchise is contacting the franchisor to register your details and let them know more about you.
After signing an NDA, you’ll be invited to meet various professionals from Accentia and UFC to discuss your franchise plans and the location where you want to open a gym.
After you’ve signed the contract, you’ll have to take steps to make your UFC Gym a reality.
Before you launch your new UFC Gym, you’ll have to market it locally. While you’ll pay advertising fees to cover the cost of national and international marketing, you’ll be responsible for marketing your specific franchise to local members.
Investors interested in starting a gym franchise with a growing brand that has already proven itself in overseas markets may want to consider UFC Gyms.
The UFC brand is synonymous with MMA, and it’s this international recognition that no doubt sets UFC Gyms apart from their competitors.
If you want to become a UFC Gym franchisee, you’ll have to demonstrate that you meet the requirements set out by the franchisor.
After you’ve signed the contract, you’ll have to take steps to make your UFC Gym a reality.
The franchise is to operate a membership-based, MMA-oriented, physical fitness facility under the UFC GYM name that, depending on the model of gym developed, offers functional fitness training regimens including, Daily Ultimate Training, mixed martial arts, cardio boxing, cardio kick boxing, TRX training, Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai boxing, utilizing a weight room, a bag area and an octagon with unique construction and design features.
UFC Gym is a co-venture between UFC and fitness conglomerate New Evolution Ventures. It is not a “Fight Gym” or “Fight Club,” it is a full-service training gym with a wide range of classes including MMA training providing a place for members to train. It also offers youth programming focusing on children ages 6+ the most popular being Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Co-Founder of UFC Gym Mark Mastrov started his fitness career working as a sales representative. Mastrov is also an owner of the NBA’s Sacramento Kings.