MUMBAI: Reebok India has tied up with US based Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) for the promotion of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) in the country.
UFC, part of WME-IMG which bought it out for $4 billion in July 2016, recently announced its intention to open more than 100 UFC GYM locations throughout India over the next ten years.
Reebok India senior Marketing director Silvia Tallon told the media in Bengaluru on Monday that the company plans to sign celebrities like Malaika Arora and Kangana Ranaut to build Brand Reebok in India, to capitalise on the fast growing disciplines of UFC and MMA in India.
UFC meanwhile has signed on franchises Artaxerxes Fitness & Lifestyle led by Istayak Ansari and Farzad Palia to launch its first gym location in Andheri West, a suburb of Mumbai. An average of 10 clubs will be launched across the country annually beginning in early 2018, according to a statement.
“The fitness market is booming in India and we’re excited to bring UFC GYM’s unique training experience to its residents,” Tamer El Guindy, UFC GYM Senior Vice President of Global Franchising, said. “This is a great opportunity for UFC GYM to introduce its TRAIN DIFFERENT philosophy to India’s fitness enthusiasts, while building member communities at each gym location, who will work together as a team to achieve their individual goals.”
Since debuting in 2009, UFC GYM has opened more than 150 locations throughout the United States and abroad in 10 countries. The fitness franchise has continued to grow at a rapid pace with more than 50 locations opening in the past two years and over 50 gyms expected to open in the next year.
“UFC has a rapidly growing fan base in India and we’re thrilled that UFC GYM will be able to offer its training methods throughout the country in the coming years,” UFC senior vice president of International and Content Joe Carr said recently.
“UFC GYM is a perfect extension of our global brand that helps introduce the sport and values of mixed martial arts to audiences of all ages.”
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