The UFC Performance Institute

The UFC Performance Institute accelerates the evolution of MMA by delivering interdisciplinary services, evidence-based science, innovation, and technology, whilst sharing best practices for performance optimization with athletes and coaches around the world.

—UFC Performance Institute Mission Statement

The UFC Performance Institute Nutrition Ethos
THE UFC PERFORMANCE INSTITUTE

The UFC Performance Institute Nutrition Ethos

When UFC launched its own Performance Institute in 2017, it became the first facility of its kind: a global nexus where world-class athletes receive next-level interdisciplinary support backed by research, innovation, and leading-edge technologies. Today, the Performance Institute works with hundreds of fighters every year, collecting in-house data, refining nutrition protocols, and developing real-world solutions for the most demanding sport on the planet.

Now, the same research-backed nutrition philosophy that fuels 80% of fighters worldwide is available for everyday champions just like you.

the Science Behind the Strength
THE SCIENCE

Behind the Strength

UFC Ignite was conceived as a way to revolutionize convenient nutrition. How did we do it? The same way we push athletic excellence forward every single day: Research and data from the experts at the UFC Performance Institute.

All of this information comes from a truly unique ecosystem built to support MMA athletes through rigorous training, rapid recovery needs, and the complex nutritional challenges of a weight-class sport. Every day, top scientists and dietitians collect and analyze massive amounts of data to stay ahead of the pack in areas like muscle growth, weight cutting, nutrient use, and more. They translate this information into precise dietary strategies based on fundamental nutrition principles which benefit heavyweight title holders, busy office professionals, and everyone in between.

UFC Ignite meals were created as a direct extension of these strategic insights. This is the same science that fuels champions, now engineered to fuel your everyday grind.

our promise Delicious by Design
"We looked at the effort and detail that we put in to ensuring every athlete has a personalized diet and nutrition plan that will optimize their health, well-being, and performance, and we wanted to figure out a way to take these principles and share them with the general population."
—Doctor Duncan French, Senior Vice President of the UFC Performance Institute
OUR PROMISE

Delicious by Design

The UFC Performance Institute's top dietitians and performance chefs helped design UFC Ignite meals to meet the goals of both top athletes and health-minded individuals alike. All of the meals were formulated, taste tested, and approved by the staff at the Performance Institute, working in collaboration with chefs and nutrition specialists from culinary partners at FreshRealm. These teams have worked to integrate a well-balanced nutrient profile and "functional foods" (ingredients known to support gut function, brain health, and more) into our diverse culinary selection while still ensuring uncompromised flavor and quality.

Every UFC Ignite meal is built to help you feel your best by providing structured options that fit your goals. Whether you're looking to Cut, Build, or Maintain, each program's menu reflects the Performance Institute's commitment to personalized nutrition and was engineered with the same care they put into every athlete hungry for victory.

Set your Goal

Doesn't sound right for you? Explore our other meal plans and how they can support your lifestyle.

Cut

Thoughtfully portioned, nutrient-dense meals that keep you satisfied all day long.

25-40g Protein ↗

Maintain

Thoughtfully portioned, nutrient-dense meals that keep you satisfied all day long.

25-40g Protein ↗

Build

Robust meals built to power your day and support growth and strength goals.

40-60g Protein ↗

The Building Blocks of Complete Nutrition

A well-balanced diet is built on three essential macronutrients: proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Some of these nutrients have earned an unfair rap in the media, but each plays a distinct role in fueling your body, supporting long-term health, and helping you perform your best.

Proteins
Proteins
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates
Fats
Fats

Proteins

Proteins provide the amino acids your body uses to repair tissues, maintain muscle, support immune function, and build enzymes and hormones. Because the body can't produce essential amino acids on its own, dietary sources like lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy, legumes, and tofu are required.

Many people actually fall short of their recommended protein intake (~1g per pound of bodyweight for most healthy individuals with active lifestyles). That's why UFC Ignite meals are designed to offer significant portions of bioavailable protein from whole foods, without unnecessary powders or additions.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates aren't bad; they're the body's preferred source of energy, especially during training or physically demanding days. Though, not all carbs function the same way. Complex carbohydrates (like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes) offer slower-releasing energy along with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Simple carbohydrates (sugars like glucose, fructose, and lactose), on the other hand, provide quick energy but can cause spikes and dips in blood sugar when eaten alone.

As with all macronutrients, a balanced approach is required for best results. UFC Ignite meals are built with this in mind, providing a thoughtful mix of carbs to help support steady energy throughout the day.

Fats

Healthy fats are vital for nutrient absorption, hormone production, and long-lasting energy. Unsaturated fats found in foods like olive oil, nuts, seeds, avocados, and fatty fish are especially beneficial, offering heart and brain support. While saturated and trans fats should be limited, fats as a whole are an essential part of a balanced diet, and not something to fear or cut out entirely.

UFC Ignite meals emphasize quality fats and keep saturated fats low without sacrificing taste or satisfaction.

What You'll Find in Our Meals

Leave shortcuts, cheap fillers, and over-processed food in your grocery store's frozen section. Every UFC Ignite meal is created with ingredient integrity in mind, so you can eat authentic food that tastes authentically delicious.

  • High-quality, intelligently-sourced ingredients
  • A focus on whole-food sources rather than additives
  • A balance of macros that aligns with dietitian-approved guidelines
  • High protein and fiber counts to support healthy active lifestyles
  • Lower saturated fat counts compared to many traditional fitness meals