meet the teams

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR, MMA

Dean is a Performance Coach and Sports Scientist with over 10 years’ experience in both professional and Olympic sporting programs specializing in load monitoring and the optimization of training. Having worked across professional football, National Olympic programs and now MMA.

MANAGER, MMA

MANAGER, MMA

Mark Timms is the head striking coach at the UFC PI, Shanghai. Mark is responsible for delivering the striking syllabus to the academy athletes. Mark is a former world champion kickboxer with over 15 years of experience in the sports of kickboxing, Muay Thai and MMA. As a student of the coaches at City Kickboxing, Mark has worked with some of the best UFC athletes in the world

COORDINATOR, MMA (STRIKING)

Nathan Epps is a striking coach at the UFC Performance Institute in Shanghai with 20 years of experience in Muay Thai and kickboxing. A multiple-time champion, he has coached fighters from grassroots levels to the elite, including a UFC champion and a Bellator title contender. Known for his technical expertise and fight IQ, Nathan continues to develop world-class athletes on the global stage at th

COORDINATOR, MMA (JIU JITSU)

Eddie Kong is the main translator, session progress runner, and grappling coach at the UFC Performance Institute in Shanghai. Eddie is highly skilled in MMA translation and grappling coaching, leveraging his strong memory to effectively translate, run training sessions, and tailor grappling techniques to enhance athletes’ performance. With 15 years of experience in Jiu-jitsu coaching, 13 years in

COORDINATOR, MMA (WRESTLING)

Born in the historical city of Panjakent, Tajikistan, Rustam found his passion for wrestling at an early age. His cousin, a wrestler himself, inspired him to join training sessions when just a child. Around 6-7 years old, Rustam started wrestling for fun, but by the time he was 10, he began to focus on competition-level training

COORDINATOR, STRENGTH & CONDITIONING

Yue Xu holds a master’s degree of Sports Training from Shanghai University of Sports. Concentrating on skill acquisition, performance assessment in strength & conditioning and advanced methods for improving individual athlete performance

MANAGER, SPORTS MEDICINE

Dr. Jeremy Summers is the Sports Medicine Manager at the UFC Performance Institute Shanghai, where he leads Sport Injury and Illness Surveillance (SIIS) and injury epidemiology research initiatives within MMA. With over 16 years of global experience, he is spearheading the Athlete Health and Performance Surveillance System (AHPSS) to improve athlete health, well-being, and performance outcomes

COORDINATOR, SPORTS MEDICINE

Edoardo serves as the Sport Medicine Coordinator at the UFC Performance Institute in Shanghai, bringing extensive expertise in sports rehabilitation and a deep focus on combat sports such as judo, wrestling, and MMA. He graduated with Honors in Physical Therapy at UCAM University in Spain and with two master’s degrees obtained in France

COORDINATOR, SPORTS MEDICINE

Alice is the Senior Sports Medicine Coordinator at the UFC Performance Institute Shanghai, where she has worked for the past five years. She helps lead the clinical management of UFC Academy athletes and coordinates care for professional UFC athletes as part of the interdisciplinary team. Alice has extensive clinical experience in MMA and other sports such as basketball and football

COORDINATOR, SPORTS MEDICINE

Wu is a Physical Therapist at the UFC Performance Institute Shanghai, holding a master’s degree in Sports Rehabilitation from Beijing Sport University. He has over two years of clinical experience in sports injury rehabilitation and post-operative recovery, with a focus on ACL and knee injuries. Wu has worked in both elite sports and hospital settings

DIRECTOR, PERFORMANCE NUTRITION & RESEARCH SCIENTIST

Recognized as a leading expert in sport nutrition research and practice, in particular combat sport nutrition, Reid has over 12 years’ experience working with elite, professional and Olympic athletes. As a researcher and speaker

COORDINATOR, PERFORMANCE NUTRITION

Taylor Wang serves as the Performance Nutrition Coordinator at the UFC Performance Institute Shanghai, where she plans and delivers day-to-day nutrition services for UFC Academy athletes and roster athletes. Her responsibilities include conducting nutrition diagnostic testing, providing group education and individual consult, designing kitchen in-service, and managing supply procurement

SENIOR MANAGER, PERFORMANCE SCIENCE AND STRENGTH & CONDITIONING

Dean is a Performance Coach and Sports Scientist with over 10 years’ experience in both professional and Olympic sporting programs specializing in load monitoring and the optimization of training. Having worked across professional football, National Olympic programs and now MMA

COORDINATOR, STRENGTH & CONDITIONING

Tom holds a Master of Physical Education and Training from Beijing Sport University and is a ASCA Level 1 Strength & Conditioning Coach

COORDINATOR, SPORT SCIENCE

Specializing in athletic load monitoring and recovery optimization, . Joe holds a double bachelor’s in Sports Science & Sports Rehabilitation and dual master’s degrees in High-Performance Sport & Sports Coaching. A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt Joe has a passion for cCombat sports with over 10 years’ experience

DIRECTOR, OPERATIONS

with over 5 years as Operations Director at UFC PI Shanghai, Alba spearheads comprehensive operations, guaranteeing a top-tier environment for staff and athletes. Renowned for seamlessly connecting individuals and resources, she cultivates a supportive atmosphere, serving as the go-to for problem-solving and ensuring operational cohesion

COORDINATOR, ATHLETE SERVICES

Anna is an athlete services assistant at the UFC PI Shanghai, currently engaged in supporting athletes in various aspects of their activities. She is a postgraduate student at Shanghai Maritime University, set to graduate in June 2025 with a degree in Chinese – English translation

COORDINATOR, ATHLETE SERVICES

Anna is an athlete services assistant at the UFC PI Shanghai, currently engaged in supporting athletes in various aspects of their activities. She is a postgraduate student at Shanghai Maritime University, set to graduate in June 2025 with a degree in Chinese – English translation. Through her role she has demonstrated strong self – learning abilities and acquired valuable skills

DIRECTOR, ATHLETE RECRUITMENT & RELATIONS

Peter Zheng joined UFC team since 2014, oversees talents and prospects for UFC in Asia, and works with Forrest Griffin for UFC Academy recruitment. Peter also is UFC commentator in Mandarin Chinese since 2012

MANAGER, FACILITIES

Owen has 10 years of professional experience in facility services and engineering services. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Southeast Missouri state university. Following his graduation, he worked at JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle), Microsoft and China Merchants Group, where he honed his expertise in facility management and engineering operations.