Best MMA gyms in the US: A ranked list of the 10 best MMA gyms in America

Mixed Martial Arts is a global sport that has grown to be one of the most followed sports in the world. Its development has subsequently led to establishment of the best MMA gyms where champions hold their training sessions. The US has some of the best gyms with world-class facilities that will be featured in this article.

Since the early stages of MMA, the United States have had the best sport mega camps where champions worldwide have gone to train. They are a powerhouse in the MMA world with World-class fighters who call it home while others flock from all over the world to train with the elite there. Here are the top 10 MMA gyms in America.

Best MMA gyms in the US

To rank the list below, several factors have been put into consideration. The camps are determined by the fighters they have produced, the quality of trainers, and the facilities provided for the athletes.

10. Sanford MMA

Located in Florida (Fort Lauderdale), Sanford is one of the best facilities in the United States. Founded by Henri Hooft and Greg Jones in 2017, it was initially called the Hard Knocks 365 before rebranding to Sanford MMA after a takeover by the health giant Sanford Health.

Popularly referred to as Blackzilians, it measures about thirty thousand square feet with three core functions: sports performance training (XPE Sports), combat training (kickboxing and Brazilian jiu-jitsu) and basketball (House of Hoops 365). Some notable names from the facility are Stefan Struve, Michael Johnson, and Kamaru Usman.

9. Black House MMA

Black House is one of the biggest MMA centres focusing on martial arts, boxing, and American Wrestling. It was founded in 2006 by former Brazilian Top Team member and black belt Carlos "Carlão" Barreto, Jorge Guimaraes and Rogerio Camoes and has locations in Los Angeles, California and Brazil.

8. Team Alpha Male

Founded by Urijah Faber, Team Alpha Male is a successful pioneering school of mixed martial arts (MMA) among the lower-weight classes. Located in Sacramento, California, US, it focuses on recruiting and training smaller fighters in the lower division and has historically produced the best fighters in the world. These include fighters like T.J. Dillashaw, Cody Garbrandt, Joseph Benavidez, and Chad Mendes.

7. Jackson-Wink MMA

Jackson Wink is an MMA sports centre based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It is one of the most successful gyms, led by founders Greg Jackson as the head MMA coach and Mike Winkeljohn on striking. The team has been able to produce the best fighters in the world and continue to develop young talent from the ground up. Some of the stars from the arena include Michelle Waterson, Holly Holm, Jon Jones, Lando Vannata, and Carlos Condit.

6. Kings MMA

Kings MMA has been known to host Brazilian fighters who have stormed the game. Located in Hunting Beach, California, it is a world-class centre that has lately attracted legendary athletes, all thanks to the incredible coaching of head coach Rafael Cordeiro. Many legendary fighters have come from Kings MMA, including Fabricio Werdum, Lyoto Machida, Wanderlei Silva, and Mauricio Rua.

5. Longo and Weidman MMA

Initially known as the Serra Longo, it is one of the best clubs in the US, currently owned by Ray Longo and Chris Weidman. Located in New York, Long Island, the centre offers world-class instructions and training for all skill sets, from beginners to advanced levels. It has hosted some of the most worthy fighters, such as Aljamain Sterling, Gian Villante, and Chris Weidman.

4. Alliance MMA

Located in San Diego, United States, Alliance gym is a top-notch facility under head coach Eric Del Fierro. Due to the up-to-date facilities and services, UFC fight organizations such as Invicta FC and Bellator train their fighters at Alliance. Some of the stars the facility has produced include former UFC Bantamweight Champion Cruz Dominick, Alexander Gustafsson, Angela Hill, and Jeremy Stevens.

3. Extreme Couture

Founded with the flagship gym in Las Vegas, the Extreme Couture training organization is headed by former UFC Champion and co-founder of Team Quest, Randy Couture. It has become the premier training facility and fight shop in Las Vegas, offering top-quality martial arts services. It has attracted some top athletes, including Gray Maynard, Vinny Magalhaes, and Forrest Griffin.

2. American Kickboxing Academy (AKA)

The American Kickboxing Academy, fondly known as AKA, is one of the oldest gyms in the United States. Established in the 1980s, it is well-known for teaching fighters a pressure-oriented, wrestling-heavy attack technique that has helped to bring out some of the best in the game. This includes the undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedov, Daniel Cormier, and Leon Edward.

1. American Top Team (ATT)

Also located in Florida (Raton), the American Top Team gym is an outstanding facility. Praised for hosting some of the best coaches in the world, it attracts champions from all corners to taste the fantastic bona fide 'super gym'. Some top athletes off the sports centre are Yoel Romero, Jorge Masvidal, and Amanda Nunes.

Best MMA gyms in the US in 2023

The US has housed a handful of combat sports superstars, dramatically boosted by the fantastic training facilities offered to the athletes once they get to the country. Some top-tier gyms include the Extreme Couture, American Kickboxing Academy, also called the AKA, and none other than the American Top Team facility.

Best MMA gyms in North America

North America has been a powerhouse to top Martial Artists since the sport's inception. Athletes have gravitated towards the training facilities offered there thanks to the endless martial arts services and, most importantly, the coaching. The United States represents the continent, hosting some of the superb facilities in the world. Some include the Black House, Team Alpha Male and American Top Team.

Best MMA gyms in New York City

New York City is one of the greatest Cities in the world. It hosts multiple training grounds, with different varieties of facilities offered by each. Some of the best MMA gyms in New York include Ronin Athletics gym, Longo and Weidman, Kings Kombat Fitness and Renzo Gracie Academy.

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Which is the best MMA gym in the world?

The American Top Team is the best MMA gym in the world. With in-depth coaching services and diverse MMA fighting styles, it has produced the best fighter in the world since its establishment in 2001.

Who is the best MMA trainer?

Greg Jackson is undoubtedly the best MMA trainer since the game's inception. His ability to analyze and break down fighters, characterised by his grappling blend of wrestling and judo, makes him the greatest. Some outstanding athletes he has worked with include Rashad Evans, Carlos Condit, Shane Carwin, Nate Marquardt and Georges St-Pierre.

It is said that a fighter is as good as his training facility, which proves how important a good gym and, most importantly, a trainer are for an MMA fighter. The list above gives an in-depth analysis of the best gyms in the US which have produced the best in the game.

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