SINGAPORE - The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) on Thursday (June 21) announced a partnership with local brand NF Fitness to open 15 franchise locations throughout Singapore over the next 10 years.

The first location is targeted to open by next February.

UFC Gym is the fitness franchise of the UFC, the most popular mixed martial arts promotion in the world, that creates training programmes inspired by the training regimen of UFC fighters.

The various gym locations will focus on boxing, kickboxing and High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT).

Said UFC Gym president Adam Sedlack: "Our global growth is exciting and bringing UFC Gym's 'train different' philosophy to Singapore is a huge opportunity with an amazing partner (in NF Fitness).

"The dynamic spirit and energy in Singapore perfectly aligns with what our members will find in a UFC Gym and we're proud to continuously grow our brand with this synergy."

Added UFC vice-president of Asia Kevin Chang: "The UFC has an amazing fanbase in Singapore and we're thrilled that UFC Gym will be bringing its ground-breaking training methods to this market.

"UFC GYM is a perfect brand extension of our organisation that helps introduce the sport and the positive values of mixed martial arts to audiences of all ages."

Since debuting in 2009, UFC Gym has opened more than 150 locations in 12 countries, including the United States, Mexico, Australia and the Philippines.

Singapore is set to be the eighth Asian country to have a UFC Gym. The UFC is also set to bring its gym concept to India, Britain and Ireland later this year.