UFC Gym has revealed plans to open 100 fitness clubs across the UK and Ireland – marking the company's entry into the European market.

The US-based chain – a brand extension of the world’s largest mixed martial arts organization, The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) – has signed a 10-year partnership with TD Lifestyle, which will operate the sites.

TD Lifestyle is a venture set up to manage the portfolio and the ownership group includes former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping – who made history in 2016 as UFC’s first British champion – and former British karate heavyweight champion Joe Long.

Launched in 2009, UFC Gym currently has more than 150 locations throughout the US, Australia, the Middle East and Asia.

The partnership with TD Lifestyle is the largest development partnership in the company’s history.

“We are thrilled to announce this exclusive partnership and expand UFC GYM’s global footprint throughout Europe,” UFC Gym president Adam Sedlack said.

“This historic partnership serves as a milestone and an opportunity for both UFC and UFC Gym brands, as the UK and Ireland markets host a significant population of MMA fans and fitness enthusiasts.

“It’s an honour for UFC GYM to bring its revolutionary style of fitness to new regions and continually grow our Train Different philosophy.”

UFC Gym will offer three formats – Signature, Core and Class – offering members the choice of full-range of functional fitness classes, group and private MMA training, group fitness, personal and group dynamic performance-based training, plus MMA youth programming,

Michael Bisping said: “UFC GYM’s are an amazing way for individuals and families to work out and get in shape together.

“We have a lot of different training programs suitable for all ages and we’re excited to finally bring our unique brand of fitness to the UK and Ireland.”

The UFC Gym brand is the first major brand extension of UFC, the world’s premier MMA organization, and was developed in partnership with New Evolution Ventures.