Rapidly-growing fitness franchise brand UFC Gym recently announced its plans to open new locations in New Zealand. The franchise, which creates training programs suitable for all ages and fitness levels based on the actual training programs of UFC athletes, currently has ten gyms throughout Australia with another ten slated to open their doors in 2019, all operating under the brand's Australia Chief Executive Officer Maz Hagemrad. His team will also operate the new locations in New Zealand.
Hagemrad said the expansion was only natural after the brand's success in Australia. The Australian CEO added that they are confident that the brand will succeed in the New Zealand market as well, with its "Train Different" philosophy.
This brand offers a variety of mixed martial arts group classes for individuals of all ages and at varying fitness levels. According to research firm IBISWorld, an estimated 79 percent of the age 15 to 54 market is a newfound territory for fans of the sport and the brand.
Tamer El-Guindy, the brand's Global Franchising SVP, also said the market in New Zealand is ideal for the gym because of its projected and sustained fitness industry growth. According to the SVP, Hagemrad and his team's involvement in the project is sure to make it a success.
Since opening its doors in 2009, UFC Gym has established more than 150 gyms throughout several countries, including Vietnam, the US, Oman, Mexico, Canada and Australia. Additionally, hundreds of new corporate locations and franchise businesses are planned for Ireland, the UK, Japan and India. With this recent announcement, the company will have locations in 30 countries worldwide.
Members of the brand's gym can access a full range of classes, along with youth, private and group MMA training. The programming has been crafted via access to the training programs of famous UFC athletes. In addition to its Signature Clubs, which are corporate owned, this brand offers franchise opportunities for its gyms in the US and overseas. The total initial investment for one of these franchise opportunities varies by format and market. The CLASS format ranges from $295,057 to $620,007; the CORE format ranges from $753,057 to $1,453,507; and the Signature format ranges from $2,388,507 to $4,912,007.
