Issue 184

UFC teams up with BJ Penn to open a signature gym in Hawaii

MMA fans can now add Hawaii to their exotic training destinations as the UFC partners up with BJ Penn to open a state-of-the-art gym in the former two-division champion’s home state.

Due to open in 2012, the gym will be a signature BJ Penn fitness facility, aiming to integrate MMA, innovative fitness training, nutrition and youth programming, all in a 37,000 square-foot complex based in the state’s capital, Honolulu. 

Just like the three successful UFC Gym locations currently operating in California, UFC Gym members in Honolulu will enjoy a variety of amenities, including the signature Arm Bar Café which will feature some of BJ’s favorite foods, a UFC Gym Store for the latest in apparel and full-amenity locker rooms complete with dry saunas.

Other features include functional training areas, group fitness rooms and the famed UFC Octagon.

“I’m very excited to be part of this tremendous opportunity,” said Penn, a native of Hilo.

“I look forward to working with the UFC to make this a huge success.

It will be such an honor to have a UFC gym with my name, especially in my homeland of Hawaii.” 

There was also excitement from UFC president Dana White.

“BJ Penn is one of the biggest superstars in the UFC, a future Hall of Famer, and an icon in his home state of Hawaii.

We expect it to become the ultimate fitness destination in Honolulu.”