UFC and Hospital for Special Surgery Extend Landmark Medical Partnership
The health and longevity of mixed martial arts athletes depend on world-class medical intervention and recovery strategies. To ensure its fighters have access to the highest standard of care, the UFC has extended its partnership with the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS). In a multiyear renewal announced on April 7, 2026, HSS will continue its role as the exclusive official hospital and official orthopedic consultants for the UFC.
A History of Specialized Care in MMA
The collaboration began in 2017 when HSS became the first-ever official hospital partner of the UFC. This partnership was designed to integrate elite sports medicine into the high-impact world of mixed martial arts, providing athletes with specialized access to primary care sports physicians and sports medicine surgeons.
HSS clinicians serve as orthopedic consultants who are available both on-call and on-site during UFC events, ensuring that immediate, expert orthopedic guidance is available when athletes are in the Octagon.
Medical Leadership and Expertise
As part of the renewed agreement, the UFC has designated specific medical leaders to oversee the health of its athletes. Robert Marx, MD will serve as the UFC’s head consulting orthopedic surgeon, and Todd McGrath, MD will serve as the head consulting orthopedic physician.
The selection of HSS is grounded in the institution’s reputation as a global leader in musculoskeletal health. Founded in 1863, HSS has been ranked #1 for orthopedics by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospital rating for seven consecutive years and is currently ranked #2 in the nation for rheumatology.
Proven Track Record with Elite Athletics
HSS brings experience from a wide array of high-performance sports organizations. Beyond the UFC, HSS provides medical support to several premier teams and organizations, including:
- New York Giants
- New York Knicks
- New York Mets
- Brooklyn Nets
- New York Red Bulls
- New York Road Runners
HSS is a FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence and the first designated National Medical Center of the United States Olympic Committee’s (USOC) National Medical Network.
Integration with the UFC Performance Institute
A critical component of this partnership is the physical presence of HSS within the UFC Performance Institute (PI). The PI is the first multidisciplinary research and innovation center dedicated specifically to mixed martial arts, with its headquarters in Las Vegas and additional facilities in Mexico City and Shanghai.
Within this 30,000-square-foot facility, the HSS Sports Rehabilitation Center provides athletes with state-of-the-art resources focused on performance enhancement and injury recovery. This integration allows fighters to move seamlessly from acute treatment to long-term rehabilitation under the guidance of elite specialists.
Key Takeaways: UFC and HSS Partnership
- Exclusive Status: HSS remains the exclusive official hospital and orthopedic consultant for the UFC.
- Expert Leadership: Dr. Robert Marx (Head Consulting Orthopedic Surgeon) and Dr. Todd McGrath (Head Consulting Orthopedic Physician) lead the medical consulting team.
- Global Infrastructure: HSS supports athletes through the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas, Shanghai, and Mexico City.
- High-Visibility: HSS will maintain branding inside the Octagon during selected UFC Numbered events.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does HSS provide to UFC athletes?
HSS provides UFC athletes with access to an elite team of sports medicine surgeons and primary care sports physicians who act as orthopedic consultants both on-site during events and via the HSS Sports Rehabilitation Center.
Where is the HSS Sports Rehabilitation Center located?
The center is located within the UFC Performance Institute, which is headquartered in Las Vegas, with additional facilities in Shanghai and Mexico City.
Why is HSS considered a leader in orthopedics?
HSS is a leading academic medical center dedicated to musculoskeletal health, having held the #1 ranking for orthopedics from U.S. News & World Report for seven consecutive years.
Looking Forward
The extension of this partnership underscores the UFC’s commitment to athlete safety and the evolution of sports science in combat sports. By leveraging the academic and clinical expertise of HSS, the UFC continues to prioritize evidence-based recovery and orthopedic care, ensuring that athletes can compete at their peak although minimizing the long-term impact of injuries.