MMA has taken off throughout the UK over the past few years, and London has become the centre of that rise. The sport’s popularity was highlighted in March 2025 when UFC Fight Night London set a new record for the largest gate ever at a UK fight night. Local gyms continue to produce UFC-level fighters, and new training centres are opening to keep up with the growing demand for MMA training in London.
However, a quality training centre should welcome beginners who want to learn the basics and support professionals preparing for competition. The best MMA gyms in the UK mix both, creating an environment where newcomers and experienced fighters can train side by side.
This list highlights gyms with a strong track record of developing beginners into competitive athletes. We also factored in the coaching quality in key areas such as Muay Thai, wrestling, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, since many students start with MMA before focusing on a single discipline.
Here are the five best MMA gyms in London, recognised for their coaching, athlete development, and contribution to the city’s growing MMA scene.
5. London Shootfighters
London Shootfighters is one of the original MMA gyms in London and has been a cornerstone of the UK’s mixed martial arts scene for decades. Established early in the sport’s growth, it has earned a strong reputation for producing and training some of the country’s top fighters.
Although the gym offers multiple disciplines, its focus remains firmly on MMA training in London rather than individual sports like grappling or striking. The coaching team, spearheaded by Paul Ivens and the Demetriades brothers, has worked with many elite and UFC-level athletes in recent years.
London Shootfighters ranks lower on this list because it’s inclined more towards experienced fighters than beginners. It works as a hub for established professionals looking to refine their skills, rather than a starting point for those new to the sport.
4. GB Top Team
Founded by UFC veteran Brad Pickett and Ashleigh Grimshaw, the gym has earned a reputation for high-level coaching and competitive atmosphere. The gym has become a hot spot for MMA training in London, attracting skilled fighters who want to prepare for upcoming bouts.
Although the gym focuses mainly on MMA, it’s not yet active in individual disciplines like Muay Thai, kickboxing, or grappling. Its main strength is bringing together professional athletes who train and spar regularly to sharpen their skills alongside other top-level competitors.
Popular gym fighters, including Shanelle Dyer and Ion Kavanagh, have recently signed with the UFC, underscoring how fast the team is making its mark on the UK’s MMA scene.
As a relatively new facility, though, GB Top Team is still developing its structure for beginners who want to progress from entry-level training to competition.
3. New Wave Academy
New Wave Academy has been part of London’s combat sports community for many years and is well known for helping beginners get started in martial arts. With three locations throughout South London, it offers accessible and structured MMA training for anyone looking to learn the sport from the ground up.
The gym is best known for its Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu programme, led by several experienced BJJ black belt instructors who offer high-quality technical coaching. While it isn’t as active in high-level Muay Thai, kickboxing, or professional MMA circuits, New Wave Academy has earned respect for training students to build strong, balanced skill sets.
If you’re new to the sport, New Wave Academy is a perfect place to start. The gym’s supportive atmosphere and skilled coaches make it one of the top spots in London for MMA training.
2. Fightzone London
Founded by Marco Canha, Fightzone London is the UK branch of the original Fightzone gym in Brazil. Based in East London, it’s recognised for its strong Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu roots, featuring top black belt instructors under the renowned Ricardo Vieira lineage. It has become one of the top BJJ gyms in London, appealing to students looking for traditional Brazilian instruction and expert-level guidance.
While the gym isn’t as active in wrestling or no-gi competition, it remains a key player in both MMA and gi-grappling. Fightzone also runs a respected Muay Thai programme led by coaches Jose Varela and Daniel Terry, who are regular figures on the UK Muay Thai circuit.
As one of the top-tier MMA gyms in London, Fightzone offers a full timetable of classes through multiple disciplines. Guided by Stuart Austin, it attracts many of the city’s top professional fighters for sparring and fight preparation.
1. Diesel Gym
With locations in East and South London, Diesel Gym ranks first on our list. It’s one of the most established MMA gyms in London, known for producing champions through multiple disciplines.
Founded in 2008 by Cliff Bura, a student of Master Sken’s Sitnarong camp, Diesel began as a traditional Muay Thai academy and continues to produce top-level Thai boxers. The gym is also home to the 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu London team, led by Jamie Scott, which has become a destination for visiting MMA and grappling professionals.
The gym also benefits from the experience of catch wrestling champion and UFC veteran John Hathaway, who adds to its strong wrestling base. Diesel athletes regularly compete in top-level events across Europe.
The MMA team has created a strong competitive record, with fighters progressing from regional shows to the UFC. Diesel also features a respected strength and conditioning programme run by Chris Cruze, supporting athletes from a range of sports during their training camps.
Diesel Gym has earned its reputation for helping fighters grow from complete beginners to seasoned professionals. With nearly 20 years of experience, the coaching team provides expert instruction in Muay Thai, Jiu-Jitsu, and MMA. Strong results and top-tier facilities have made it one of the best MMA gyms in the UK and a respected name in London’s combat sports community.
Final Thoughts
Each of these MMA gyms in London offers its own style and strengths, supporting everyone from first-time students to seasoned fighters. These gyms are at the heart of London’s growing combat sports scene and continue to shape the next generation of UK athletes.
As the sport gains more popularity, these academies remain some of the most trusted spots for MMA training in London, offering the coaching and structure needed for both personal growth and competitive success.
