UFC Gym opens first branch in Abu Dhabi with 24-foot Octagon and MMA-inspired classes


Evelyn Lau
  • English
  • Arabic

UFC Gym has opened its first branch in Abu Dhabi. The gym, affiliated with Ultimate Fighting Championship, is the third to open in the UAE with the other locations in Business Bay and Jumeirah Beach Residence in Dubai.

The facility spans 1,600 square metres over three floors of a large villa in Mohammed bin Zayed City. The ground floor features a multifunctional freestyle fitness area while the first floor has a signature 24-foot Octagon, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu mat and a kick-boxing area. The second floor contains the strength and cardio workout equipment as well as group fitness studio.

With Abu Dhabi dubbed "fight island" as a number of mixed martial arts events were held on Yas Island during the pandemic, it's no surprise that a UFC Gym has also made its way to the capital. So, for those who want to train like a fighter, here are five things to know about the newly opened UFC Gym in Abu Dhabi:

There are more than just MMA-inspired classes

The schedule currently features classes for Brazilian jiu-jitsu, boxing, kick-boxing, a cycling group and yoga, and there are plans to include Zumba in the future as well. Children aged 12 to 15 can also take part in classes aimed at getting the youth interested in fitness and a healthy lifestyle.

They offer their own boot camp style workout 

UFC Gym offers its own specialised class called DUT, which stands for Daily Ultimate Training. Despite the name, there are no kicks or punches. Instead, the 50-minute class is taught as a boot camp that sometimes incorporates battle ropes, jump ropes, TRX, plyo boxes, kettle bells, free weights and more. Participants go at their own pace and the class is open to all fitness levels.

There’s a user-friendly app

Members will have access to the UFC Gym app that allows for easy booking of classes up to 48 hours beforehand. The app also offers other features, including a look at all the certified UFC gym coaches, the class schedule, access to home workout videos, and membership information.

UFC coaches are specially trained

Most UFC Gym coaches hired have a mixed martial arts background. Upon joining the gym, they have to pass a rigorous certification programme and must also take part in a yearly seven-day intense training session to keep up to date with latest happenings in the fitness industry. Coaches are also reassessed throughout the year.

UFC stars have also trained in the gyms in the past

With some of UFC’s biggest names flying in to the UAE to compete, a number of UFC fighters have stopped by a UFC Gym to get in a workout as part of their regiment ahead of a big bout. In January, Conor McGregor brought his entourage as he stopped by the JBR branch ahead of his fight with Dustin Poirier at UFC 257.

Emergency phone numbers in the UAE

Estijaba – 8001717 –  number to call to request coronavirus testing

Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111

Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre

Emirates airline – 600555555

Etihad Airways – 600555666

Ambulance – 998

Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries

HIJRA

Starring: Lamar Faden, Khairiah Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhufairy

Director: Shahad Ameen

Rating: 3/5

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The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

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Power: 295hp at 6,000rpm

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Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 10.7L/100km

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The biog

Favourite car: Ferrari

Likes the colour: Black

Best movie: Avatar

Academic qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in media production from the Higher Colleges of Technology and diploma in production from the New York Film Academy

ETFs explained

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Quick pearls of wisdom

Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”

Know how to fight: Shetty married his wife, Radhi, three years ago (he met her in a meditation class before he went off and became a monk). He says they’ve had to learn to respect each other’s “fighting styles” – he’s a talk it-out-immediately person, while she needs space to think. “When you’re having an argument, remember, it’s not you against each other. It’s both of you against the problem. When you win, they lose. If you’re on a team you have to win together.” 

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French business

France has organised a delegation of leading businesses to travel to Syria. The group was led by French shipping giant CMA CGM, which struck a 30-year contract in May with the Syrian government to develop and run Latakia port. Also present were water and waste management company Suez, defence multinational Thales, and Ellipse Group, which is currently looking into rehabilitating Syrian hospitals.

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