UFC Gym Expands into India with New Facility in Vijayawada
UFC Gym is making significant strides in South Asia by launching its latest fitness center in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. This new facility marks one of nine planned openings across India, increasing the total number of UFC Gym locations in the country to 17, which includes two UFC Fit gyms.
Vijayawada is rapidly becoming a vibrant commercial hub, and its growing population of young professionals is driving a demand for fitness and wellness options. “Vijayawada embodies the new wave of fitness growth in India—youthful and ambitious,” said Farzad Palia, chairman of UFC Gym India. “Our presence here introduces top-notch MMA-inspired training to a city that’s ready for premium fitness experiences. This expansion reinforces our commitment to establishing a nationwide fitness network that meets global standards.”
The new facility spans three floors and covers an impressive 20,000 square feet. It is equipped with state-of-the-art fitness machines from Life Fitness and Hammer Strength, along with amenities designed for UFC-style workouts. These include a UFC-style Octagon for combat training, a boxing bag rack, and areas for various classes such as Daily Ultimate Training, Fight Fit, Boxing Conditioning, and Kickboxing Conditioning.
“Our aim is to make elite training accessible to every dedicated fitness enthusiast in India,” said Istayak Ansari, founder and managing director of UFC Gym India. “Vijayawada is a crucial step in our growth, and we’re excited to cater to a diverse community with inclusive, high-performance programs.”
In addition to combat sports, the facility will provide traditional group fitness classes, featuring dedicated spaces for yoga, Zumba, and Pilates. A specialized Recovery Room will offer post-workout recovery services similar to those used by professional UFC athletes, along with convenient facilities like lockers, showers, and steam rooms.
Families can also benefit from youth fitness programs for children aged 5 to 12, making it a community-focused gym.
“India is an exciting growth market for UFC Gym, and Vijayawada perfectly represents the dynamic cities fueling this expansion,” noted Donnie Oliver, UFC Gym’s executive vice president. “We’re proud to bring our unique ‘Train Different’ approach to this lively community as we broaden our reach across the country.”
Recently, UFC Gym also opened its second UFC Fit location in Bengaluru, which offers a more traditional gym experience tailored to the needs of local residents, featuring functional fitness equipment and a variety of workout classes.
As India continues to grow in the global fitness landscape, the market is expected to expand significantly, projected to grow from ₹16,200 crore (around $1.9 billion) in 2024 to ₹37,700 crore (approximately $4.5 billion) by 2030. Notably, U.S. fitness brands are taking notice, with Anytime Fitness planning to open hundreds more locations in India before 2030 and Crunch Fitness set to launch at least 75 gyms soon, further highlighting the booming fitness trend in the country.
