UFC Gyms are healthy investment

The Sports Business Journal (subscription required) recently published an article about the success of the UFC Gym franchise.  While the UFC brand connotes an MMA emphasis, the gym has succeeded through expansion and appealing to a wider range of fitness enthusiasts.

The UFC Gyms offer kickboxing and martial arts classes with MMA themed decor, but the article emphasizes that the gym succeeds due to the broader clientele of people in need of working out.  There are regular weight and workout machines in most of the gyms.  Yoga is offered in addition to striking and grappling classes.

The genesis of the UFC Gyms according to the SBJ story came from a meeting between UFC Chairman Lorenzo Fertitta and former 24 Hour Fitness CEO Mike Mastrov.

Mastrov’s New Evolution Ventures operates the gyms while the UFC “provides brand assets, along with promotional and marketing support.”

There are 8 “big box” UFC gyms which exceed 30,000 square feet (per SBJ, think of the floor space of a Best Buy).  It purchased the LA Boxing franchise to accelerate expansion.  Not as big per gym, but much easier to grow.  With the acquisition, it added 81 gyms in 23 states.  It may be just another health club but for the additional MMA-inspired workouts.

Membership prices may vary in your area but a basic membership is $45 per month.  If you want to do unlimited classes, it starts at about $100 per month.

Payout Perspective:

When the UFC gym concept started, it did not seem like an idea that would appeal to a broad audience. But, its partnership with the former head of 24 Hour Fitness likely helped it concentrate on what was important in bringing in customers. Its strategy of expansion via purchase of LA Boxing seems to be working out.  If any reader belongs to a UFC Gym it would be interesting to hear what they think and how it compares to other health clubs.