October 18th marked the Grand Opening of the very first UFC Gym, a strategic partnership between CMG.ASIA, UFC, and New Evolution Ventures, in Asia. Located in Thao Dien Pearl, District 2, the $5 million investment is home to a UFC Octagon, gladiator-style training areas, and a Moving Theatre.
UFC Gym was founded in 2009 as a partnership between the Ultimate Fighting Championship and New Evolution Ventures (NeV)
The gym experienced rapid expansion and quickly opened over 130 clubs spanning the USA, Canada and Australia, with a promise to bring a further 5 gyms to Asia in the near future.
Inside the first UFC Gym in Asia
UFC Gym is now entering a phase of unprecedented growth
After receiving a $4 billion investment from WME-IMG, UFC Gym now has over 140,000 active members and has plans to increase the number of clubs worldwide to 1,000 and reached a membership of more than 1 million.
CMG.ASIA was founded in 2007 and boasts a leadership team with more than 50 years of combined experience
California Management Group currently manages brands in a variety of fields including fitness, beauty, entertainment, and anti-aging. CMG.ASIA has also created a platform that helps to develop a healthy lifestyle ecosystem across a range of interrelated areas that enhance all aspects of a client’s life.
“Our collaboration with CMG.ASIA marks a milestone for UFC Gym. We will use this opportunity to grow and bring UFC Gym to more places around the world” – Brent Leffel, CEO of UFC Gym
Brent Leffel speaking at the Grand Opening
“The reason we chose Vietnam as our first location is because of our partnership with California Management. I have been privileged to know the CMG team for years and I can that I am extremely impressed at the standards that CMG has set, the evidence is in the equipment and space around you tonight.”
The expansion is indicative of UFC’s global appeal
The gym will provide a mix of fitness and entertainment, bringing a new and dynamic way to add value to the lives of customers. UFC Gym offers something for everyone, not just professional athletes, regardless of age or fitness level, from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA to Zumba and Yoga. The unique style of fitness, along with the Train Different mentality, has proven to bring rapid results.
The Las Vegas themed Grand Opening featured special guest, retired UFC Hall of Famer, Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell
Chuck Liddell and his wife, Heidi Northcott
Chuck Liddell was famous for his power striking and wins over UFC greats such as Randy Couture, Tito Ortiz, and Kevin Randleman. He also holds the record for most wins in the UFC Light Heavyweight Division at 16 wins and Knockout of the Year 2005. He is largely credited with bringing the MMA into the mainstream. Mike “Maverick” Chiesa, winner of The Ultimate Fighter: Live, was also in attendance.
Mike Chiesa and Chuck Liddell
The red carpet included celebrities such as supermodel, Lan Khue, and actress, Truong Ngoc Anh
Truong Ngoc Anh
Supermodel, Lan Khue, on the red carpet
The Voice Kids Coach, Dong Nhi, performed two of her hits, Sexy Girl and Boom Boom. Other entertainment throughout the night included break dancers and a high-octane MMA cage match.
Dong Nhi performing one of her hits
