UFC to open US$13 million Performance Institute in Shanghai

January 11, 2019

UFC has announced that it is to open a UFC Performance Institute in the Chinese metropolis of Shanghai - the second of its kind in the world.

When it opens later this year, UFC Performance Institute Shanghai will serve as a training hub to develop and support MMA athletes from mainland China and the greater Asia-Pacific region. UFC will also utilise the 8650 metre² facility building as its headquarters in Asia, housing UFC employees and UFC Performance Institute staff, including experts in the fields of MMA, strength and conditioning, sports science, physical therapy and nutrition.

Being built at a cost of US$13 million, UFC Performance Institute Shanghai will also have built-in advanced production capabilities with spectator seating that will allow UFC to produce and distribute live events and other original programming.

Three times the size of the original UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas, additional features of the Shanghai facility will include hospitality suites, dining, retail services, and a fan experience area.

Announcing the development, UFC Chief Operating Officer Lawrence Epstein stated “UFC Performance Institute Shanghai demonstrates UFC’s strong commitment to China and our significant investment in the Asia-Pacific region

“This facility will not only give us the ability to train the next generation of Chinese MMA stars, but it will be a major attraction to fans in the region and allow them to interact with our brand in an authentic way.”

Kevin Chang, UFC Vice President of Asia-Pacific, added “UFC Performance Institute Shanghai will be at the forefront of innovation in sports science, training, and athletic performance in Asia and will welcome all elite-level athletes from the region.

“With this facility, we are establishing the foundation for future growth of our business while also providing an invaluable service to amazing athletes who seek to develop their skills and achieve excellence in their respective sports.”

UFC Performance Institute Shanghai will serve as a catalyst for athlete development in Asia, aiming to rapidly accelerate the skill level and UFC-readiness of mixed martial artists in the region. A full MMA coaching staff will implement a sport-specific training system developed in consultation with former UFC light heavyweight champion, UFC Hall of Famer, and current UFC Vice President of Athlete Development Forrest Griffin. This integrated, inter-disciplinary combat sports performance team will offer an unparalleled level of support to athletes.

UFC opened the first UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas in 2017 as the world’s first Mixed Martial Arts multi-disciplinary research, innovation, and training centre. Through the first year and a half months of operation, over 400 athletes on the UFC roster have utilised the facility and the services provided remotely.

In addition, several dozen NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB and Olympic sports athletes have visited the facility for support during their off-season training.

China is a growing market for UFC with 36 million people in the country identifying as UFC fans.

Images: Artist’s impressions of the interior of the under development UFC Performance Institute in Shanghai. Courtesy of UFC.

30th November 2018 - IHRSA reports shows China as the fastest growing fitness market in the Asia-Pacific region

16th October 2018 - IHRSA China Management Forum to chart massive opportunities for fitness industry growth

31st August 2018 - 20% rise in visitor numbers at FIBO CHINA 2018

25th June 2018 - UFC GYM announces partnership for Singapore expansion

19th June 2018 - FIBO China offers new venue, more exhibitors and expanded content

9th February 2018 - Spartan Race announces first ever season of events in China

1st November 2017 - Perth Arena to host UFC championship fight event

25th August 2017 - China’s middle class driving fitness industry growth

27th September 2016 - UFC Gyms begin South East Asian expansion

11th July 2016 - Consortium buys UFC for US$4 billion

1st July 2016 - FIBO China to create a bridge to China’s growing fitness market

12th May 2016 - UFC appoints Australian Rene Valencia to international marketing role

30th March 2016 - Etihad Stadium’s UFC193 event delivers economic impact of $102 million

21st December 2015 - UFC GYM announces Australian expansion plans

Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.