It's official — Albany has a UFC fighter, and he coaches here.
In May 2026, Ollie Schmid walked into the UFC octagon — the biggest stage in mixed martial arts on the planet. He became one of a tiny handful of New Zealanders to ever compete there. And the gym he co-founded and coaches at every week is right here on Auckland's North Shore: Unity MMA in Albany.
Most people will only ever watch the UFC on a screen. At Unity MMA, you can train on the same mats as a fighter who's actually competed in it — in a beginner-friendly class, with no fight experience required.
Who Is Ollie Schmid?
Ollie is a professional mixed martial artist and the co-owner and head coach of Unity MMA. He earned his UFC contract the hard way — through years of elite-level competition across Australasia and internationally, fighting his way up the ranks until the sport's premier organisation came calling. His debut in May 2026 put a North Shore gym on the global MMA map.
But the part that matters most for our members: Ollie didn't disappear to a supercamp overseas. He still coaches at Unity. The same person preparing for the UFC is the same person who'll teach you how to throw your first proper jab.
Why This Matters If You Train (Or Want To)
A UFC fighter coaching a local gym isn't just a bragging right. It changes the standard of what you learn:
- Real technique, not watered-down fitness drills. You learn the actual mechanics used at the highest level — scaled to wherever you're at.
- A coaching team of active pro fighters. Ollie leads a team where every coach still competes — boxing, BJJ and MMA specialists who walk the talk.
- A room full of ambition. When the head coach is in the UFC, the whole gym lifts. You train surrounded by people who take it seriously — and who'll still welcome you on day one.
You Don't Need Any Experience
This is the bit people get wrong. You don't have to be fit, young, or tough to start. Unity MMA's classes are built for complete beginners — most people walk in having never thrown a punch. You'll learn the fundamentals in a friendly room, at your own pace. The UFC-level standard is there when you're ready to chase it. It's not a barrier to getting started.
Train Where a UFC Fighter Coaches
Your first class at Unity MMA is always free. No credit card, no commitment. Come see the gym, meet the team, throw your first jab.
BOOK YOUR FREE CLASSWhere to Find Us
Unity MMA is at 19B William Pickering Drive, Rosedale (Albany), Auckland on New Zealand's North Shore.
Read Ollie Schmid's full profile → | Meet the full coaching team → | See MMA classes →