In Richmond, UFC Gym’s octagon is slightly smaller than regulation-sized cages. (Mike Platania)
While hundreds of Richmonders jog down Monument Avenue in the annual 10K run this Saturday, a national gym brand will unleash its octagon in a space along West Broad Street.
UFC Gym is hosting its grand opening ceremony Saturday at 7550 W. Broad St. in the Merchants Walk Shopping Center.
UFC Gym is a national chain of fitness centers backed by Ultimate Fighting Championship, known for its mixed martial arts promotions. The local outpost – the brand’s first in the Richmond area – is owned by entrepreneur James Sinnie, who bought into the UFC franchise and leased the space last summer.
He said he spent more than $1 million to build out and equip the 12,000-square-foot facility, which is decked out in UFC branding, colors and equipment, including punching bags, a 24-foot octagon, weights and cardio equipment.
In Richmond, UFC Gym’s octagon is slightly smaller than regulation-sized cages. (Mike Platania)
Sinnie, who previously has organized and emceed area amateur MMA events, said it’s his first foray into franchise ownership, and is taking his own approach to leading a staff of 15.
“I promote passion, and put it towards the gym, the staff,” Sinnie said. “This weekend is a great celebration for all of us, we’re excited for people to train differently with us in the Richmond area.”
Despite the bruising televised bouts UFC is known for, Sinnie said UFC Gym is a facility for all ages.
“It’s a family atmosphere, we want everybody to train like a champion,” he said.
Sinnie has run the gym on a soft opening since late January, and said the most popular classes have been high-intensity interval training and boxing.
UFC Gym has over 135 locations globally, and Sinnie said he may look to bring more to the Richmond market.
“We’re thinking about locations in Chesterfield and Short Pump,” he said. “Now I’m just making sure this first one is successful, that it’s making money for itself.”
In Richmond, UFC Gym’s octagon is slightly smaller than regulation-sized cages. (Mike Platania)
While hundreds of Richmonders jog down Monument Avenue in the annual 10K run this Saturday, a national gym brand will unleash its octagon in a space along West Broad Street.
UFC Gym is hosting its grand opening ceremony Saturday at 7550 W. Broad St. in the Merchants Walk Shopping Center.
UFC Gym is a national chain of fitness centers backed by Ultimate Fighting Championship, known for its mixed martial arts promotions. The local outpost – the brand’s first in the Richmond area – is owned by entrepreneur James Sinnie, who bought into the UFC franchise and leased the space last summer.
He said he spent more than $1 million to build out and equip the 12,000-square-foot facility, which is decked out in UFC branding, colors and equipment, including punching bags, a 24-foot octagon, weights and cardio equipment.
In Richmond, UFC Gym’s octagon is slightly smaller than regulation-sized cages. (Mike Platania)
Sinnie, who previously has organized and emceed area amateur MMA events, said it’s his first foray into franchise ownership, and is taking his own approach to leading a staff of 15.
“I promote passion, and put it towards the gym, the staff,” Sinnie said. “This weekend is a great celebration for all of us, we’re excited for people to train differently with us in the Richmond area.”
Despite the bruising televised bouts UFC is known for, Sinnie said UFC Gym is a facility for all ages.
“It’s a family atmosphere, we want everybody to train like a champion,” he said.
Sinnie has run the gym on a soft opening since late January, and said the most popular classes have been high-intensity interval training and boxing.
UFC Gym has over 135 locations globally, and Sinnie said he may look to bring more to the Richmond market.
“We’re thinking about locations in Chesterfield and Short Pump,” he said. “Now I’m just making sure this first one is successful, that it’s making money for itself.”
Fitness franchises have been very popular in recent years. Very competitive industry, but great to see new brands entering the RVA market…with more on the way in 2017. Best wishes to James and the new UFC Gym!