Bisping officially opens UFC Gym in Dubai

Dubai: UFC middleweight world champion Michael Bisping helped officially open the UFC Gym in Downtown Dubai on Saturday.

Located in Bay Square in Business Bay, this 23,000 square foot facility has a 24-foot octagon, strength training and cardio machines, battle ropes, agility ladders, a bag room and large mat areas for all forms of mixed martial arts.

Since debuting in 2009, more than 135 UFC Gyms have opened throughout the United States, Australia, Canada, South America, Vietnam and now the UAE. The fitness franchise has continued to grow with more than 50 locations opening in the past two years and over 50 gyms expected to open in the next year.

“This is a monumental day for us, as our vision is now a reality,” said the gym’s chief executive officer Hamad Al Sayer. “UFC is the fastest growing sports brand in the world and our locations will offer fight fans in Dubai a unique opportunity to train like mixed martial artists. The response we’ve received from our residents has been amazing and we look forward to making this location the best gym in Dubai.”

UFC Gym chief operating officer Brent Leffel said: “The Middle East is a very important market for UFC Gym and we are tremendously comfortable knowing we have the right partners in place to realise that potential. The response we’ve received regarding this facility has been incredible and that’s a testament to Hamad’s team. They’ve embraced our unique fitness concepts and as a result have elevated our brand to another level.”

UFC Gym — Middle East chief operating officer George Yiasemides said: “Since our soft opening earlier this year, we’ve received great feedback from our members and have outperformed our targets in all of our pre-launch forecasts. We have amazing members along with a fantastic facility, which has proven to be both a great and successful balance. We can’t wait for the remaining residents of Dubai to experience our gym.”

Bisping, who beat Dan Henderson last week to retain the title he won by beating Luke Rockhold in June said: “It’s no surprise people love working out in our gyms because they replicate the environment of UFC in so many ways. The concept is authentic, the music is loud, the aggression is respectful and the overall environment is amazing. As a fight fan, it’s impossible not to get sucked in.”

For information call 800-832-496 or visit ufcgym.com.