UFC GYM® Announces Partnership with Piatt Companies to Expand Footprint in Pennsylvania with State-of-the-Art UFC GYM® Pittsburgh

Former Pittsburgh Steeler Ryan Shazier joins the team as UFC GYM® Pittsburgh ambassador   

PITTSBURGH – June 1, 2022 – UFC GYM®, the first major brand extension of UFC®, today announced that the company has partnered with Western Pennsylvania real estate developer and management company Piatt Companies (formerly Millcraft Investments) to develop a new 40,000-square-foot UFC GYM Pittsburgh facility. The multi-million-dollar club will be located at 236 Fifth Ave. in Downtown Pittsburgh and will be the third UFC GYM location in the state and first in Western Pennsylvania to provide functional fitness, MMA-inspired conditioning classes and access to world-class facilities.  

“This is an exciting time for us at UFC GYM as we partner with Piatt Companies to introduce UFC GYM to the Pittsburgh community,” said UFC GYM Chief Executive Officer Adam Sedlack. “We’re thrilled to offer our luxury fitness center, signature programming and TRAIN DIFFERENT® mentality to the fitness enthusiasts we’ll soon be welcoming in to our premier facility.”  

As part of the partnership, Piatt Companies will introduce former Pittsburgh Steeler Ryan Shazier as the UFC GYM Pittsburgh ambassador. Shazier, a 2014 Steelers first-round draft pick and two-time Pro Bowl linebacker, sustained a life-altering spinal cord injury in 2017. Through rehabilitation, he fought the odds of his injury by walking then jogging then running again within months. He retired from the NFL in 2020 and now runs the Ryan Shazier Fund for Spinal Rehabilitation to raise resources for people who have had spinal cord injuries to know they have a support system that is fighting with them.    

“We are excited to be opening UFC GYM in Downtown Pittsburgh and partnering with Ryan as our ambassador,” said Lucas Piatt, CEO of Piatt Companies. “His story inspired our entire city and he shared his journey with us. Everyone faces struggles and we’re all fighting for something. The UFC GYM in Market Square will be the first of its kind here and we hope to expand with three additional locations throughout the region where people can come to fight their fight and be supported through programming for everyone and world-class amenities.” 

Making the benefits of world-class MMA athlete training programs available to all, regardless of age or athletic ability, UFC GYM Pittsburgh will offer guests state-of-the-art amenities, including a weight room with free weights and Olympic lift platforms, robust cardio and functional equipment, functional training area with indoor turf, mat room, bag rack, full-service locker room and more. To further support a healthy lifestyle, the location will feature an Arm Bar Cafe and Recovery area, providing pre- and post-workout treatments, including cryotherapy, Normatec and more. Validated parking will be available for gym-goers. 

Members will have access to a one-stop shop for any and all fitness needs, including a schedule of dynamic studio-quality group fitness classes such as cycle, yoga, TRX® and Piyo; signature UFC GYM programming such as Circuit Breaker and Muscle Makeover; and MMA-inspired group fitness classes such as Boxing and Kickboxing Conditioning. Youth programming for kids ages six and older will be offered to support fitness for the whole family. 

Starting immediately, prospective members may reserve exclusive founding member rates. For more information and to reserve the limited offer rates with dues delayed until gym opens, visit the website at www.ufcgym.com/locations/pittsburgh.  

The rapidly expanding fitness franchise welcomes interested candidates to grow alongside the brand in key markets such as California, Texas, New York, Florida, Oregon, Washington and Hawaii. For franchising information, visit ufcgymfranchise.com or contact [email protected].  

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ABOUT UFC GYM® 

UFC GYM® is the first major brand extension of UFC®, the world’s premier MMA organization, created in alliance with New Evolution Ventures™ (NeV), developers of many of the world’s most successful fitness brands. As the first to unite the benefits of MMA with fitness, the brand is not what you expect, and more than you can imagine. UFC GYM’s TRAIN DIFFERENT® approach provides members with the ultimate fitness experience and programming that secures results for all ages and training levels. With 160 locations opened and 1,000 additional locations currently in development globally, UFC GYM has revolutionized the fitness industry and positively impacted countless lives worldwide. In addition to its corporate-owned clubs, UFC GYM offers the opportunity to own and operate a franchise domestically and internationally through the UFC GYM® or UFC FIT® model. For franchise information, contact [email protected] or visit UFCGYMfranchise.com. For more information, please visit UFCGYM.com or UFCFIT.com. Follow UFC GYM on Instagram and Twitter @UFCGYM, Facebook.com/UFCGYM, and youtube.com/UFCGYM.  

About UFC® 

UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 688 million fans and 198 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to nearly 900 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 75 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is owned by global entertainment, sports and content company Endeavor, and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok: @UFC. 

About Piatt Companies 

Piatt Companies (formerly Millcraft) is a leader in the investment, management, operations and growth of diverse and resilient businesses in Western Pennsylvania. The family-run company brings innovative ideas to life by delivering world-class projects for the Pittsburgh community. Built on a tradition of vision and excellence, Piatt Companies is committed to creating new, interesting, people-centered placemaking experiences for the region. 

Media Contacts 

UFC GYM: Wicked Creative 

Taylor Goldberg and Kelsey Cassick  

[email protected]  

(619) 255-9633 

Piatt Companies 

Molly Onufer 

[email protected] 

412-889-2676 

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Hilton Garden Inn – Southpointe

Hospitality

Opened in 2001 as one of the first Hilton Garden Inn hotels in the region, the Pittsburgh-Southpointe location offers ease of access to the Pittsburgh International Airport and Downtown Pittsburgh. The 20,000 square foot flexible ballroom space is a popular venue for weddings, trade shows, and seminars. A full renovation was completed in 2019. 

River Vue

Residential

River Vue is a 16-story luxury residential tower prominently located along the Allegheny River in Downtown Pittsburgh, offering residents panoramic city skyline and waterfront views within walking distance of the Cultural District, Market Square, and the city’s major business and entertainment destinations. The property features 218 apartment units and reflects Piatt Companies’ longstanding commitment to high-quality urban residential development and adaptive reuse.
 
Originally constructed as the State Office Building, River Vue underwent a comprehensive renovation and conversion from office space into luxury residential apartments under Piatt Companies’ ownership and management oversight. The transformation preserved the building’s prominent downtown presence while repositioning the asset as a premier residential destination within Pittsburgh’s evolving urban core. Through strategic redevelopment, operational excellence, and a strong focus on resident experience, Piatt Companies helped establish River Vue as a distinguished example of successful downtown adaptive reuse and long-term asset stewardship.

MARKET SQUARE PLACE

Mixed-Use

Located in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh’s historic Market Square, Market Square Place is a dynamic mixed-use property featuring luxury residential apartments, a 35,000-square-foot UFC Gym, and a diverse collection of street-level retail tenants that contribute to the energy and walkability of Downtown Pittsburgh. The retail mix includes restaurants and casual dining concepts, fine dining establishments, banking services, fitness and wellness offerings, and unique retail experiences featuring integrated podcast studio space. Through proactive property management, Piatt Companies helps preserve the long-term value and performance of the asset by overseeing daily operations, tenant relations, maintenance coordination, and the overall property experience. By maintaining high operational standards and supporting a vibrant urban environment, Piatt contributes to the property’s continued success as a premier downtown destination for residents, retailers, and visitors.

HIGHMARK STADIUM

Entertainment

Highmark Stadium, the home of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds soccer team, offers a gorgeous view of Downtown Pittsburgh from Station Square. Piatt operated as the owner’s representative throughout the construction of the 3,500 seat entertainment venue.

ST. CLAIR HOSPITAL OUTPATIENT CENTER

Medical

St . Clair Hospital’s 40,000 square foot outpatient facility in Peters Township opened in 2013. As the owner’s representative, Piatt managed design and construction, and helped cut costs through value engineering and pre-construction negotiation. The center offers a much-needed location for numerous medical services and offices.

LUCAS PIATT

Chief Executive Officer — Piatt Companies

Lucas B. Piatt is the Chief Executive Officer of Piatt Companies and Piatt Sotheby’s International Realty, where he blends visionary leadership with a deep-rooted commitment to the future of Western Pennsylvania. With more than 25 years of experience in real estate, development, and executive leadership, Lucas has led the transformation of Downtown Pittsburgh, investing over $500 million as part of a broader portfolio exceeding $1 billion in revitalization efforts across the region.

Lucas is the driving force behind The Esplanade, a transformative waterfront development that will redefine Pittsburgh’s North Side. Designed to be a world-class destination for innovation, entertainment, hospitality, and public space, The Esplanade reflects Lucas’s bold vision for shaping the future of Pittsburgh through large-scale placemaking rooted in community, inclusivity, and global ambition.

A respected collaborator, Lucas brings people together—developers, civic leaders, creatives, and community members—to reimagine the built environment and make it a catalyst for growth and connection. He is committed to delivering luxury experiences that serve a greater purpose, with an eye toward sustainable and inclusive development.

His leadership extends far beyond real estate. Lucas actively supports organizations such as the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, Washington County Chamber of Commerce, Point Park University, the Pittsburgh Film Office, the Alzheimer’s Association, and serves on the Board of Directors for St. Clair Health Foundation, helping to shape the future of regional healthcare and community access.

As founder of the Piatt Family Foundation’s Rock, Reggae and Relief Festival, Lucas has harnessed the power of live music to raise significant funds for impactful causes. Beneficiaries have included ovarian cancer initiatives, Café Momentum Pittsburgh, 412 Food Rescue, MCG Youth & Arts, and Catapult Greater Pittsburgh, among others—supporting efforts around food security, youth empowerment, education, and economic mobility.

Beyond his professional and philanthropic commitments, Lucas is a devoted family man who finds his greatest joy in spending meaningful time with his wife Renee and their children, River and Marlea. Whether attending concerts and music festivals, traveling, or sharing life’s great experiences, Lucas lives with intention and heart—always seeking to build something greater for the next generation.

TOWER 260

Office

Tower Two-Sixty, in Market Square, offers seven floors of Class A office space and an integral public parking garage offering 330 spaces. Also in the building are the Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh Downtown and four new local restaurants.

This LEED Certified Silver building is the first opportunity in almost 30 years for distinguished Pittsburgh businesses to take up residence in a brand new trophy building. Partnering with JLL as the anchor tenant and property manager, the building’s other tenants include Coury Financial, Merrill-Lynch, McGuireWoods, and Piatt Companies.