UFC GYM to open in New Zealand after growing Kiwi success

A bird's eye view of the UFC octagon.
A bird's eye view of the UFC octagon. Photo credit: Getty

The UFC has revealed its intention to open a gym in New Zealand.

After the success of Israel Adesanya, Kai Kara-France and Shane Young at UFC 234 last Sunday, the organisation hopes to capitalise on the increased growth in interest surrounding MMA.

New Zealand will be the 30th country to house a branded UFC gym, which already operates in 10 locations across Australia.

UFC GYM Australia chief executive Maz Hagemrad said it was a natural progression plan to extend into New Zealand.

"We are excited to bring the best of the UFC Gym brand into the New Zealand market, where we are confident the 'train different' philosophy will be welcomed and embraced," Hagemrad said.

The City Kickboxing gym in Auckland boasted the second-best winning percentage of any UFC gym through 2018, with Kiwi fighters going 9-1 across a 12-month period.

This year has started in stellar fashion, with all three Kiwis earning wins in Melbourne on Sunday.

UFC GYM to open in New Zealand after growing Kiwi success

Since debuting in 2009, UFC GYM has opened more than 150 locations throughout Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Chile, Dubai, Egypt, Mexico, Oman, The Philippines, Taiwan, the United States and Vietnam.

Recent signings will bring hundreds of UFC GYM locations to India, Japan, the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Newshub.