It all starts with its Train Different® approach to fitness, which caters to a diverse demographic. As a result, UFC GYM has become a standout brand and leader within the segment while shaping an exclusive community of fitness enthusiasts and providing the opportunity to empower the fighting spirit within its members. Based on its relationship with UFC®, which is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA) with more than 625 million fans and 142 million social media followers, UFC GYM has access to the training, nutrition, and regimens of UFC fighters and has created MMA-style fitness programs accessible to everyday individuals and fitness enthusiasts.
At UFC GYM, guests are offered a unique one-stop-shop experience and the most value proposition possible under one roof to meet their fitness needs. Guests can access premium amenities through flexible membership tiers which include unlimited classes, specialized MMA training, kids club childcare, balanced recovery treatments and a facility featuring a UFC-style Octagon, large bag room, indoor turf, Brazilian jiu-jitsu mat room, group fitness studio, weight room, robust cardio equipment, full-service locker rooms, a café, and retail store. Combined with a full range of group conditioning and technique-focused classes, functional training, personal training, traditional martial arts coaching plus fitness, youth and family classes, members are drawn into the brand’s diverse and unique fitness model and motivating environment.
Overall, UFC GYM currently has 150-plus locations spanning 37 countries with 500 additional locations in development, connecting franchisees over a vast global network. The brand is experiencing an enormous growth period, expecting to double in size year after year thanks to an increased interest in health and wellness over the past decade. Alongside this rapid growth, UFC GYM’s model offers franchisees a diversified investment, with an array of prototypes for any budget, Management Service Agreements to help facilitate growth, multiple revenue generators from retail to private coaching, and an in-depth onboarding training and support system.
Additionally, UFC GYM continues to keep innovation in mind to meet the consumer’s needs and help them achieve their goals. As a result, UFC GYM has partnered with MyZone to bring fun, education, and results to its members by providing deeper insights into how the body is responding to exercise with access to its expert trainers to refine workouts. The brand’s new technology allows for the opportunity to integrate workouts at home, in the gym, or on the-go.
How does the franchise model work?
UFC GYM offers a business model for every investor, from UFC GYM Signature locations to the latest UFC FIT® concept. The Signature locations offer the ultimate “Big Gym” experience with a full-service premium facility loaded with classes, equipment and amenities all on about 18,000-plus square feet. Likewise, its newest UFC FIT model features a group fitness studio, weight room, robust cardio equipment, Olympic size swimming pool, sauna room, full-service locker room, post-workout treatment recovery area and indoor basketball court for a wider range of guest appeal. Additionally, CLASS was created to ensure active training involving BOX- and HIIT-style workouts led by the best coaches and utilizing top technology.
Within any model, UFC GYM offers Management Service Agreements to help manage success and facilitate growth. The average time it takes to open a new gym is six to eight months once the lease is approved and signed.
Training and support offered by UFC GYM
Currently, UFC GYM provides two business days of initial management institute training at the UFC GYM HEADQUARTERS in Newport Beach, California. The trainees must include the owner and the designated manager, and up to three additional trainees. Initial training includes instruction in owner-operator responsibilities, instructor training, equipment and buildout, membership sales, prospect management, administration, operations, merchandising and marketing, and franchisor relations. Training programs may differ in content and length for the owner, designated managers or employees, depending upon their responsibilities at the club. UFC GYM provides instructors, facilities, equipment, training materials, manuals and technical training tools for the initial training. The initial training program will be conducted by members of the training staff who have significant work experience in the boxing and fitness industry, physical education coaching, and professional boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts experience ranging from three to 20 years in businesses of the type UFC GYM is offering.
Once a year, UFC GYM may provide refresher training programs, seminars, or advanced management training for employees at its principal training facility in Newport Beach, California. The operations team is also responsible for coordinating the training program for new franchisees and new general managers. “Razer” Rob McCullough, the former W.E.C. lightweight mixed martial arts Champion and I.M.T.C. welterweight Muay Thai kickboxing Champion, is responsible for coordinating its training program for new instructors. Pete Guzman and Kory Kelley are Regional Trainers. In addition to the initial training program and other subsequent training available, at separate costs, UFC GYM also offers Leadership Training ($199/person) and BJJ Instructor Training. BJJ Instructor Training is $599 for the first attendee and $49 for each additional attendee. The cost includes a BJJ kit that includes a manual, attendance cards and student guides. This training is periodically made available at UFC GYM’s corporately owned gym facilities.
What locations or territories is UFC GYM looking to operate in?
UFC GYM plans to aggressively expand abroad over the next several years. Plenty of opportunities exist; many territories are available and, after signing as a franchise partner, its real estate team works closely with you to identify the best trade areas for the development of your gym through demographic and market analysis. UFC GYM will place franchises where there are 100,000 people within a five-mile radius and with a median household income of $50,000-$75,000.
Financial information
Investment range: Signature UFC Gym / UFC Fit: $1,080,000 to $4,213,000
Class UFC Gym: $199,000 to $346,000
Minimum capital required: $100,000 to $500,000
Funding support: No
Franchise fees: Yes, dependent on territories
CLASS UFC GYM
Marketing contributions – 2 per cent of weekly gross revenues
Music licensing fee – $1,000
Regional cooperative advertising – determined by the cooperative
UFC GYM products – As set by us for affiliate
Billing services fee – 3.9 per cent of credit card billings revenue and 3 per cent POS credit card transactions
Additional Training – Sales and operations training currently up to $500 per day, plus, all travel and lodging expenses.
Group fitness training, BJJ training or private coach training (minimum three days) – currently up to $500 per day, plus, travel and lodging expenses and CPR certification fees (currently $50 per coach)
Cost of insurance coverage
Reimbursement of audit, deficiencies, indemnification, enforcement costs, management fee, testing, taxes, removal of signage – actual cost
Advertising – At least 5 per cent of gross revenue determined by the local affiliate
Renewal fee – 50 per cent of the current initial franchise fee
Transfer fee – $10,000
Fees for lost manuals – $250 each
Failure to prove financial reports – $350 each time
Interests on late payments – The lesser of: (i) 18 per cent per annum; or (ii) the maximum rate of interest permitted by law
Late charge – $250
Liquidated damages for premature termination of the franchise agreement – A lump sum equal to the total of all royalty fees and marketing contributions for 24 months
Liquidated damages for violation of covenant not to compete – $2,000 per week
SIGNATURE UFC GYM / UFC FIT
Marketing contributions – 2 per cent of weekly gross revenues
Management services back-office support fee – $10,000
UFC GYM products – As set by the franchisor for affiliate
Cost of insurance coverage
Billing services fee – Currently $800 to $1,000 per month, plus, credit card transaction and interchange fees
Online UFC GYM university – $149 per month per GYM for unlimited users
Additional training – Sales and operations training is currently up to $500 per day, plus, all travel and lodging expenses.
Group fitness training, BJJ training or private coach training (minimum three days) – currently up to $500 per day, plus, travel and lodging expenses and CPR certification fees (currently $50 per coach)
Advertising – You must spend at least 5 per cent of gross revenues specified by the regional operator
Transfer fee – $10,000
Lost manual fee – $250 per manual
Failure to prove financial reports – $350 each time
Interests on late payments – The lesser of: (i) 18 per cent per annum; or (ii) the maximum rate of interest permitted by lawLate charge – $250
Liquidated damages for premature termination of the franchise agreement – A lump sum equal to the total of all royalty fees and marketing contributions for 24 months
Liquidated damages for violation of the covenant not to compete – $2,000 per week
Indemnification/enforcement costs/management fee/testing/taxes/removal of signage/deficiencies/reimbursement of audit costs/fees for special assistance – actual cost to franchisor
What are the franchise terms of agreement and renewal?
Typically there are up to two renewal options available, providing the franchisee meets all compliance needs. Renewal fees are often 50 per cent of the then-existing initial franchise fee.
Why is UFC GYM a good investment?
Global Recognition: UFC is a premium global sports brand boasting more than 625 million fans worldwide. With live events that sell out and global broadcasting, MMA is the fastest-growing sport in the world. With an internationally recognized brand, UFC, there is an exceptional growth opportunity for UFC GYM franchisees.
Multiple Revenue Streams: With each model, the brand offers the opportunity to drive revenue from multiple sources. From membership to retail, private coaching to supplements, UFC GYM helps you discover and delve into options to secure additional funds year after year.
Broad Appeal: UFC GYM offers a full range of group conditioning and technique-focused classes, functional training, personal training, traditional martial arts coaching plus fitness, youth and family classes – all in a supportive and motivating environment.
Business Model For Every Investor: Select one of its models to best fit your growth plan and budget.
The Fitness Industry: Interest in the $96.7bn fitness industry is on the rise, with health and wellness taking a priority in the lives of its consumers.
How in demand is UFC GYM’s services?
Health and wellness have proven time and time again to be a priority for the consumer. In fact, within the $96.7bn fitness industry, there are 70 million health club consumers within the United States alone.
UFC GYM not only provides a community of like-minded fitness enthusiasts but also premium facilities that offer the most value proposition with a range of boutique-style classes, including boxing and kickboxing conditioning, strength training, group fitness classes, cardio, state-of-the-art recovery areas and much more, in order to meet its members and guests in whatever capacity they wish to train.
Listen to our podcast with Adam Sedlack, the CEO of UFC Gym.