The combat sports-inspired fitness operator is pursuing an aggressive expansion strategy in India, one of the world’s top emerging fitness markets
UFC Gym is ramping up its South Asian presence, opening its latest facility in Vijayawada, bringing its fitness-meets-martial arts training to the Andhra Pradesh region of India.
The new location is just one of nine planned openings throughout the country, which will bring its footprint to 17 facilities in India, including two UFC Fit locations.
The city is quickly growing as a bustling commercial and residential hub, where a thriving business ecosystem and increased demand for wellness lifestyles among its growing young professional population lend themselves to UFC’s offerings.
“Vijayawada represents the new wave of India’s fitness growth — ambitious, youthful, and forward-looking,” said UFC Gym India chairman Farzad Palia. “Bringing UFC GYM here allows us to introduce world-class MMA-inspired training to a city ready for premium fitness experiences. This expansion strengthens our commitment to building a nationwide fitness network that delivers global standards and real outcomes.”
The three-floor facility will feature 20,000 square feet of carpet area and premium strength and cardio equipment from Life Fitness / Hammer Strength, in addition to other amenities for the brand’s trademark workouts, including a UFC-style Octagon, MMA equipment for authentic combat training and a boxing bag rack for boxing and kickboxing conditioning classes.
Members will also be able to take advantage of signature UFC GYM group classes including Daily Ultimate Training, Fight Fit, Boxing Conditioning and Kickboxing Conditioning.
“Our goal is to make elite training accessible to every serious fitness enthusiast in India,” said UFC Gym India founder and managing director Istayak Ansari. “Vijayawada is a strategic milestone in our growth journey and we are excited to serve a diverse community with programs that are both performance-driven and inclusive.”
The facility will also house traditional group fitness classes, with a studio built for yoga, Zumba and other group class activities, as well as a dedicated Pilates studio.
Other amenities include a specialized Recovery Room, with advanced post-workout recovery services inspired by the protocols used by professional UFC athletes, in addition to lockers, showers and steam rooms.
Parents will also be able to take advantage of youth fitness programs for children ages 5–12.
“India continues to be one of the most exciting growth markets for UFC Gym globally, and Vijayawada is a perfect example of the dynamic cities driving this momentum,” UFC Gym executive vice president of international franchise and global fitness operations Donnie Oliver added. “We’re proud to bring our Train Different philosophy and world-class training experience to this vibrant community as we continue expanding our footprint across the country.”
The operator also recently opened its second UFC Fit location in India, its more traditional all-purpose gym brand, integrated directly into Bengaluru’s residential community Folium by Sumadhura. The UFC Fit facilities are more suited to those looking for an all-encompassing gym experience with amenities that franchisees adapt to the needs of their communities, which can include anything from functional fitness equipment, popular workout classes and basketball courts or pools.
India is proving to be a key area in the growth of global fitness, with its market poised to more than double in size by 2030, projected to grow from INR16,200 crore ($1.9 billion) in 2024 to INR37,700 crore ($4.5 billion) by 2030.
U.S. brands have taken notice: Anytime Fitness already has over 150 clubs in India, and reportedly plans to open hundreds more by 2030. Meanwhile, Crunch Fitness signed a master franchise agreement last year that will see at least 75 Crunch gyms enter the country in the coming years, with its first location opening last November.