Partnership will include talent and scouting program to further develop amateur MMA
UFC GYM® India today announced a new joint partnership with the MMA India Federation, a member of IMMAF, the governing body of amateur MMA, to launch a national talent and scouting program as part of its continued efforts to develop amateur MMA throughout India. The new program will be led by IMMAF licensed coaches from the MMA India Federation, and coaches will recruit and invite amateur athletes to local UFC GYM franchises for a membership to continue their training.
As part of this collaboration, UFC GYM India will also provide amateur athletes locations to try out for select MMA India events.
The MMA India Federation is the governing body for amateur MMA, covering 24 states and three union territories throughout the country. This partnership will provide UFC GYM India with an unprecedented grassroots opportunity to grow the organization’s overall awareness to the nation’s more than 1.38 billion residents.
“We are honored to partner with IMMAF and UFC GYM India to launch our regional talent scouting program to help build a talented roster of amateur MMA talent that could potentially comprise India’s national amateur team for the IMMAF International Championships,” MMA India Federation President Sharif Bapu said.
In 2017, UFC GYM announced its partnership with UFC GYM India to launch 100 gym locations throughout India by 2027, representing the largest partnership agreement in UFC GYM history.
“UFC GYM India, IMMAF and MMA India share a common vision to mentor, train and groom the next generation of MMA athletes from India,” UFC GYM India Managing Director Istayak Ansari commented. “We will be supporting the selection of amateur MMA athletes by the MMA India Federation and IMMAF, by providing membership and coaching at our select gyms across India. Our goal is to collectively help create the next generation of MMA athletes who will represent India in future professional combat sports events and hopefully UFC.”
Since debuting in 2009, UFC GYM has opened more than 170 locations and is in development in over 37 countries around the world, training a global community of more than 125,000 members.
“We’re thrilled to support the continued development and growth of MMA throughout India, while also raising awareness for UFC GYM’s TRAIN DIFFERENT® mentality and programming for fitness enthusiasts of all ages and athletic abilities,” UFC GYM Chief Executive Officer Adam Sedlack said. “India is a burgeoning market for UFC GYM and we can’t wait to show our world-class facilities and overall fitness offerings as part of this new and amazing program.”
Established in 2012, the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) is the global governing body for amateur MMA, with national representative organizations in 120 countries across five continents, with more than 45 recognized by their National Olympic Committee or Ministry of Sport.
“On behalf of IMMAF, I would like to congratulate the MMA India Federation and UFC GYM India on sealing this seminal partnership, with its huge potential to foster significant development to recreational and amateur MMA in India,” IMMAF President Kerrith Brown said. “Credit is due to the committed work and exemplary organization of MMA India, and to Istayak Ansari’s vision and support of well governed MMA and talent pathways.”
As the international governing body, IMMAF has developed the first international, unified rules, regulations and standards for amateur MMA. The organization has also developed and implemented the first internationally recognized grading systems, coaches and officials licensing systems, across IMMAF member nations.
If a UFC GYM franchise is interested in developing a partnership with an IMMAF – affiliated national federation in another country, please contact Isobel Carnwath at [email protected].
If a National Federation would like to join IMMAF as a member, see information about requirements and how to apply here: IMMAF | How to Apply – Federations.
About IMMAF
Founded in 2012, the purpose of IMMAF is to further the development, recognition and regulation of the sport of MMA (mixed martial arts), enabling amateur competition through the organization of national MMA federations around the world. With a seven-year track record of organizing international amateur Championships and developing the sport globally, IMMAF’s membership today includes 120 National Federations worldwide with National Olympic Committee recognition in more than 45 countries. IMMAF has advanced programs for education and certification of MMA coaches, referees and other technical officials, as well as Youth Development. Supported by UFC, IMMAF is the only legitimate international governing body for MMA, working to gain sport recognition and see MMA into the Olympic Games. For more information, visit IMMAF.com.
About MMA India Federation
Mixed Martial Arts India is the regulatory body for the sport of MMA in India. The federation is committed to the development of MMA and its athletes, working for a safe and well governed sport. MMA India sanctions some of the top fight nights and promotions in India and is a national representative of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF).
About UFC GYM®
UFC GYM® is the first major brand extension of UFC®, the world’s premier MMA organization. In alliance with New Evolution Ventures™ (NeV), developers of many of the world’s most successful fitness brands. As the first to combine the worlds of MMA and fitness, UFC GYM’s TRAIN DIFFERENT® approach creates an atmosphere where members can see immediate results and appeals to all ages and training levels. UFC GYM is the ultimate fitness experience. The brand is not what you expect, and more than you can imagine. With 170 locations opened and over 700 currently in development, UFC GYM is revolutionizing the fitness industry. For more information, please visit www.ufcgym.com. Follow UFC GYM at Facebook.com/UFCGYM, Twitter and Instagram: @UFCGYM. Subscribe at YouTube: www.youtube.com/UFCgym.
About UFC®
UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 625 million fans and 142 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to approximately 900M TV households across more than 175 territories. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 70 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC was acquired in 2016 by global entertainment, sports and content company Endeavor, along with strategic investors Silver Lake Partners and KKR. UFC is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok: @UFC.
Media Contacts:
Isobel Carnwath – [email protected]
Ashley Fitzgerald – [email protected]
Brian Smith – [email protected]
