UFC Gym signs deal to enter Russian fitness market.

US-based chain UFC-Gym has signed a deal which will see it enter the Russian fitness market later this year. 

The franchise operator is an extension of the Ultimate Fighting Champtionship (UFC) and the franchise deal will see it open 55 clubs across Russia. 

The Russian Fitness Group (RFG) is currently the leader in the premium and luxury section of the fitness market in Russia, managing large numbers of clubs under the ‘World Class’ brand.

The UFC partnership sealed the deal after the RGC received funding from investors seeking to help expand the groups’ business across the CIS countries and the EU, as well as within Russia.  This consortium, which is made up  of the Russian Direct Investment Dund (RDIF), the Mubadala Investment Company based in Abu Dhabi and other investments from the Middle East.  It has now acquired a 22.5% stake in the group  from VTB Capital.