The Ultimate Fighting Championship has signed deals with two of its top fighters to give them signature gyms in a chain of fitness clubs planned by the company.

UFC President Dana White announced on Thursday that the gyms will be named for B.J. Penn and Georges St-Pierre, who clash on Saturday night in Las Vegas for the UFC welterweight title at UFC 94.

White says the fighters will be paid royalties from the gyms whether they are fighting or not.

Mark Mastrov, a former 24 Hour Fitness CEO working to open the new clubs, says the fighters’ gyms will be open by the end of the year in Penn’s native Hawaii and St-Pierre’s hometown of Montreal.

The UFC have plans to open five health clubs throughout California, with plans for other gyms across the U.S and in Canada.

Phil Lowe
phil@ifight365.com