NYC's MMA scene at a glance
From Midtown Muay Thai studios to Brooklyn MMA gyms, NYC has one of the most concentrated combat sports scenes in the US. Here's a rundown of well-reviewed options across Manhattan and Brooklyn, plus how to build a training network once you've found your gym.
Top-rated MMA gyms in NYC
These are well-reviewed options across Manhattan and Brooklyn, covering different neighborhoods and training styles. Ratings and hours are current as of research — call ahead to confirm class schedules and trial offers, as these change often.
- check_circleRadical MMA NYC — 235 W 29th St, New York, NY 10001 | (646) 269-6597 — Chelsea gym known for a systemized approach to MMA that connects striking and grappling, popular with fighters who travel between cities.
- check_circleEvolution Muay Thai — 213 W 35th St, New York, NY 10001 | (646) 649-3976 — Garment District Muay Thai specialist with a strong team culture and both group and private lesson options.
- check_circleUltimate Gym NYC — 5 W 30th St 4th Floor, New York, NY 10001 | (212) 725-4666 — A Midtown Muay Thai gym popular with the after-work crowd, known for patient instruction for total beginners.
- check_circleRonin Athletics MMA NYC — 265 Madison Ave Fl 5, New York, NY 10016 | (212) 564-4153 — Gracie Jiu-Jitsu-based curriculum with a strong self-defense and women's empowerment program alongside standard BJJ classes.
- check_circleWarriors Nation MMA — 166 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201 | (929) 661-5992 — A Brooklyn MMA-focused gym (rather than primarily BJJ, which dominates much of NYC) with a strong community feel.
- check_circleSquare Circle New York — 139 Fulton St 706 7th Floor, New York, NY 10038 | (212) 964-9800 — Financial District gym specializing in traditional Muay Thai and BJJ with a mixed-level, competition-friendly community.
- check_circleFive Points Academy — 148 Lafayette St Front A, New York, NY 10013 | (212) 226-4474 — Lower Manhattan academy offering Muay Thai, BJJ, judo, and Kali, with a long-standing reputation and easy subway access.
- check_circleWorkshop NYC Muay Thai & Jiujitsu — 92 Delancey St, New York, NY 10002 | (917) 675-7282 — Lower East Side gym emphasizing wrestling and judo fundamentals within its BJJ and Muay Thai programs.
How to pick the right gym for you
Location relative to your commute matters more in NYC than almost any other city — a gym near your subway line beats a "better" gym across town you'll skip after a rainy week.
Ask whether the gym is BJJ-first or MMA-first — many NYC gyms lean heavily BJJ/Muay Thai rather than full MMA; if you want striking + grappling + wrestling in one program, confirm before joining.
Take advantage of trial weeks — nearly every gym above offers one.
Finding training partners outside class hours
Gyms give you coaching, but building a real training network — sparring partners, people to travel to a local amateur card with, or just others who train your sport — usually happens outside class. AthletiLink connects NYC fighters and training partners by sport and neighborhood, so you're not limited to whoever's in your usual class slot.
Find MMA training partners in NYC on AthletiLink →
