First UFC Gym To Open In Concord, California

I wonder how much of an impact these gyms will have in terms of turning new fans on to MMA, and will they become profitable.

Via Press Release:

Las Vegas, NV (USA) – The UFC® Octagon™ isn’t just for fighters anymore. Now, for the first time in the 15-year history of the Ultimate Fighting Championship - anyone - no matter how young or old - can experience what its like to train in the most exciting sport in the world thanks to the launch of the UFC® Gym™.  UFC and New Evolution Fitness Company (NEFC) announced today that Concord, California will be the first home to the ultimate fitness destination, one that combines a complete UFC experience with mixed martial arts and fitness.

"We are excited to open our first UFC Gym, it’s going to have something for everyone in the family, from traditional mixed martial arts classes, to all-around fitness classes, personal training and a gym just for kids," said Dana White, UFC President. "We are going to redefine the fitness industry, and get everyone excited about fitness again, starting with the first UFC Gym in Concord, California."

NEFC Co-founders, Mark Mastrov and Jim Rowley, both from the East Bay, believe that Concord, CA is the ideal location for the first UFC Gym. "Born, raised and now residing in the East Bay, we wanted our first UFC Gym to be close to home.  This facility will allow us to carefully monitor and fine-tune the UFC Gym concept for future growth and provide our community with fitness training in new dynamic ways," said Mark Mastrov.

An interactive tour, available through UFCgym.com, reveals concepts for the overall layout.  The site also shows classes and schedules, the variety of fitness areas, and the many options for personal training and private mixed martial arts instruction.  Special self-defense classes for women will be available, as well as a "UFC Kids Gym," a place for children 14 and younger to experience fun and interactive fitness classes of their very own.

While every UFC gym will have the most sophisticated cardio equipment and more than 25-tons of free-weights, it will also have the luxury of spacious locker rooms with dry saunas, and a place to relax for snacks and drinks inside "The Arm Bar".  Plus an exclusive UFC Gym Store where you’ll find the very latest in UFC apparel and products.

The first UFC Gym enrollment center is set to open on Wed. June 17th and is located at The Willows Shopping Center, 1975 Diamond Blvd in Concord, CA 94520. For additional information, click on UFCgym.com.

Earlier this year, UFC and NEFC announced a partnership with Welterweight Champion Georges "Rush" St-Pierre, and Lightweight Champion BJ "The Prodigy" Penn to build "St-Pierre" and "Penn" UFC Gyms, with locations planned for St-Pierre’s native city of Montreal and Penn’s home state of Hawaii.

UFC Gym is the first major brand extension for the Ultimate Fighting Championship, the all-time industry leader in the sport of mixed martial arts.  In alliance with NEFC owners Mark Mastrov and Jim Rowley, developers of many of the world’s most successful fitness brands, UFC Gyms will give UFC enthusiasts and fitness seekers alike the opportunity to practice the training techniques of famed UFC athletes, including Georges St-Pierre and BJ Penn in their respective UFC gyms.

UFC Gym is the first to combine the world of mixed martial arts and fitness to create the ultimate fitness experience. For more information, please visit UFCgym.com.