Sports Science Intern

Who We Are:

UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and approximately 300 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world while broadcasting to over 950 million households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 80 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC and @UFC on X, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok: @UFC. TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: TKO) is a premium sports and entertainment company. TKO owns iconic properties including UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization; WWE, the global leader in sports entertainment; and PBR, the world’s premier bull riding organization. Together, these properties reach 1 billion households across 210 countries and territories and organize more than 500 live events year-round, attracting more than three million fans. TKO also services and partners with major sports rights holders through IMG, an industry-leading global sports marketing agency; and On Location, a global leader in premium experiential hospitality.

Position Summary:

 

At the UFC Performance Institute (UFCPI), we deliver performance-impacting physical preparation, sport science, and medical services to the world's best MMA and combat athletes. Our core values are aligned with maximizing the health and wellbeing of UFC athletes and supporting athletes and coaches as they optimize training, preparation, and performance in the Octagon.

The Sport Science Intern will support the Senior Manager, Performance Science & Strength & Conditioning and the UFCPI – Shanghai team with the delivery of sport science services, research projects, data collection, and athlete-facing initiatives. Under the guidance of experienced staff, this role will gain practical exposure to working with the Strength & Conditioning, Nutrition, and Sports Medical teams. The intern will assist with sport science testing, equipment upkeep, data organization, reports, and educational activities while learning how evidence-based practices support athlete health, wellbeing, and performance. This individual will work in a collaborative, high-performance environment and contribute to cross-disciplinary initiatives within the Performance Institute.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with sport science activities at the UFCPI - Shanghai under the direction of the performance team, with the objective of supporting athlete health, wellness, and performance.
• Support data collection and identified sport science projects or research activities addressing key performance questions.
• Collaborate with staff members on sport science applications and help translate findings into practical support for athletes and coaches.
• Assist with the maintenance, calibration, and upkeep of sport science equipment and technologies within the UFCPI - Shanghai.
• Research emerging sport science technologies, methods, and industry practices that may support the work of the Performance Institute.
• Maintain appropriate databases, organize datasets, and assist with basic data analysis and the review of objective performance metrics.
• Help prepare reports, presentations, and data feedback materials that communicate performance insights clearly.
• Participate in educational workshops and continue developing an understanding of the theory, research, and scientific applications relevant to elite MMA athletes.

 

Skills & Experience:

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Exercise Science, Sport Science, Kinesiology, Biomechanics, Data Science, or a related field; or a recent graduate.
• Coursework or academic exposure to exercise physiology, biomechanics, performance analysis, research methods, or related areas.
• Previous internship, practicum, research, laboratory, or applied experience in sport science, human performance, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience working with athletes, coaches, or in a high-performance environment is preferred.
• Personal or academic interest in combat or contact sport is preferred, but not required.
• Basic familiarity with sport science technologies, testing protocols, data collection, and evidence-based research practices.
• Basic data analysis skills and familiarity with Excel or similar data organization tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly and professionally.
• Ability to communicate technical or complex information in terms that are easily understood by a wide range of audiences.
• Highly organized, dependable, detail-oriented, and motivated to learn in a collaborative environment.
• A willingness to accept feedback, entertain new ideas, and approach challenges with a positive and open-minded attitude.

TKO EEO Statement:

TKO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding non-discrimination in employment. TKO makes employment decisions based on merit and qualifications, without considering an employee’s or applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited under federal, state or local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the Company has facilities. TKO also provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state or local laws. For information about Privacy and Information Security for TKO employment candidates, please review our Privacy Policy. For information regarding Terms of Use for this and other TKO websites, please review our Terms of Use.