The UFC and New Evolution Fitness Company (NEFC), announced today that UFC Gyms will partner with Georges "Rush" St-Pierre, UFC's Welterweight Champion, and BJ "The Prodigy" Penn, reigning Lightweight Champion 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.St-Pierre and Penn, who compete in a historic rematch for the UFC Welterweight Championship belt at UFC 94: ST-PIERRE vs. PENN 2 this Saturday, Jan. 31, live from MGM Grand Garden Arena, are the first UFC athletes to have UFC Gyms featuring their name and likeness.
"Besides being a great way for us to connect with UFC fans on a daily basis, UFC Gyms is another way that UFC is providing economic opportunities for UFC athletes outside of the Octagon," said Dana White, UFC President. "Combining the UFC brand with superstars Georges St-Pierre and BJ Penn gives them an exciting business venture that is unprecedented in the fight industry."
"When you are presented with the opportunity to work with two of the greatest athletes, Georges St-Pierre and BJ Penn, in the fastest growing sport in the world, the UFC, in two great destinations, Montreal and Hawaii, with the best promoter in sports, Dana White, and the business talents of Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta, your decisions come fast and easy," said Mastrov.
"UFC Gyms" will be 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.
"It is a dream come true to have a St-Pierre UFC Gym in Montreal," said St-Pierre. "Ever since the UFC came to my country, the sport has been so huge - I know this gym will be very popular."
"I'm very excited to be a part of this tremendous opportunity, I look forward to working with the UFC to make UFC Gyms a huge success," said Penn. "It will be such an honor to have a UFC gym in my name, and right in my homeland of Hawaii."
With a diverse, loyal fan base of millions in the United States and abroad, UFC Gyms will become the fitness destination of choice, providing all-around training, conditioning and health options for men, women and children of all ages.
For more information about UFC Gyms, please visit UFCgyms.com.
Source: UFC.com
I think this is a great idea. How many of these gyms are going to be set up? and where exactly?