A gym development firm has cinched a deal to open a BJ Penn-branded UFC Gym in Honolulu, expanding a fledgling chain of fitness clubs integrating elements of mixed martial arts training.

The gym is slated to open in January at the former Pipeline Cafe in Kakaako, and will be the fourth UFC Gym and first outside California. It will also be the first UFC Gym affiliated with a fighter.

California-based Gym developer New Evolution Ventures is opening the gym in partnership with Las Vegas-based mixed martial arts fight organizer UFC and Hilo native Penn, a mixed-martial arts star and former UFC champion in two weight divisions.

UFC Gym operators expect to begin enrolling members in the summer.