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UFC GYM to open its first fitness centre in India. With that UFC Gym will put its feet into India market starting from Mumbai.
“UFC GYM® is proud to announce an unprecedented 10-year partnership agreement to open more than 100 gym locations throughout the Republic of India through 2028. This agreement substantially expands the global brand presence of UFC GYM to the world’s second-largest population. Artaxerxes Fitness & Lifestyle P.U.T. LTD, led by franchisees Istayak Ansari and Farzad Palia, will open the first location later this year in Andheri West, a suburb of Mumbai, with an average of 10 clubs debuting across the country annually beginning in early 2018.”
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. With Istayak and Farzad’s business acumen, experience, leadership and enthusiasm for living a healthy lifestyle, our brand is in good hands.”
Franchisees Istayak Ansari and Farzad Palia bring with them the business experience and entrepreneurial spirit to successfully open 100 UFC GYM® India locations. Istayak Ansari has over 16 years’ experience leading start-ups, retail management and franchise development. He grew Gold’s Gym from six to 96 franchisees in Asia in just nine years. He also serves as director of both Lloyds Luxuries Ltd., which operates luxury barbershops throughout Southeast Asia, and 1441 Pizzeria, a fast casual restaurant with locations throughout Mumbai. Farzad Palia made his name as director of SPITMAAN Group and through ventures in real estate.
UFC Senior Vice President of International and Content Joe Carr said “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 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.”
