US-based fitness operator UFC Gym will open 100 clubs in India over the next 10 years, following a franchise deal with entrepreneurs Istayak Ansari and Farzad Palia.

Under their Artaxerxes Fitness & Lifestyle venture, Ansari and Palia will aim to open 10 clubs each year, with the first location launching later this year in Andheri West, a suburb of Mumbai.

The deal is part of UFC’s plans to establish itself on the rapidly growing Indian fitness market – a sector which is estimated to be growing at an annual rate of around 18 per cent.

“The fitness market is booming in India and we’re excited to bring UFC Gym’s unique training experience to its residents,” said Tamer El Guindy, UFC Gym’s senior vice president of global franchising.

“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.”

The Artaxerxes team have a background in fitness – Ansari grew the Gold’s Gym brand from six to 96 franchisees in Asia in just nine years, while Palia made his name as director of SPITMAAN Group and through ventures in real estate.

Since launching in 2009, UFC Gym – a brand extension of UFC, the world’s leading mixed martial arts (MMA) competition – has opened more than 150 locations throughout the US and 10 other countries.

Each club houses the distinctive octagon – the 'cage' in which MMA fights take place. At the clubs, the octagon is used for MMA-themed training, as well as light sparring.

The business, which has corporate-owned signature clubs as well as franchise-operated sites, has continued to grow at a rapid pace with more than 50 locations opening in the past two years and 50 more gyms expected to open during 2018.

“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,” said Joe Carr, UFC senior vice president of international and content.

“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.”