LAFAYETTE, CA, January 14,  2013 – UFC GYM®, the ultimate fitness destination and first major brand extension of the Ultimate Fighting Championship®, continues its worldwide expansion with the acquisition of LA Boxing®. UFC GYM looks to bring its ‘Train Different’ philosophy, which combines the best of traditional fitness with the innovation of mixed martial arts, to LA Boxing’s already established elite facilities. Click this link here now to see.

“The UFC GYM experience is second-to-none. Our gyms have incredible energy and through innovative programs members see amazing results,” says UFC President Dana White, “With this acquisition, we continue to grow our footprint as leaders in the global fitness industry.”

Founded in partnership with New Evolution Ventures, LLC™, UFC GYM currently has five full-service facilities which average 35,000 square feet in California and Hawaii. It has also started selling membership for locations in New York Metro and Sydney, Australia which will open by April 2013. UFC GYM will begin to transform the boutique LA Boxing facilities, which average 5,000 square feet, to the UFC GYM format.

“The goal of UFC GYM when we launched it three years ago was to create a unique MMA-styled fitness experience for men, women and children that went far beyond the traditional workout,” says, Mark Mastrov, Chairman of New Evolution Ventures. “We were drawn to LA Boxing based upon the similarities in our brand DNA. We are thrilled to partner with the existing LA Boxing team and their franchisees in expanding our shared vision worldwide.”

With the addition of  the current 81 LA Boxing locations, UFC GYM will begin to franchise this new model of boutique clubs while preserving the character and guiding principles of its brand. Franchisees will have the unique opportunity to own and operate the new UFC GYM franchise model across the US and the globe.

“Our new partnership will build upon LA Boxing’s growth over the past 10 years in boxing, kickboxing and MMA.  We will grow the franchise in the US and internationally benefiting current LA Boxing franchises, their staff, trainers, and members,” said Anthony Geisler, President of UFC Gym Franchise. “The partnership will enable UFC GYM to continue to provide a superior workout experience at a great value and will add even more benefits for current members and franchisees.”

The first location  under the new ownership will open in Chicago’s thriving River North neighborhood with media invited to visit the facility on Wednesday, Jan. 23 at 11:30 a.m. This media-only event will feature a workout with main card athletes from UFC® on FOX: JOHNSON vs. DODSON which will take place on Saturday, Jan. 26 at the United Center and will be broadcast on FOX.  For more information visit www.ufcgym.com.