About Us
The story behind ECF Gym and the people who built it.
Christian DeFiris — Founder, ECF
Our History
ECF Gym is the official training center of Extreme Cage Fighting, New York's premier MMA promotion founded in 2014 by five-time amateur champion Christian DeFiris. Located in Oceanside on Long Island, the gym was built to give fighters a professional environment to prepare for live ECF events. What started as a fight team home has grown into a full-service MMA gym welcoming athletes of all experience levels. Today, ECF Gym is one of the most recognized combat sports facilities in Nassau County, drawing members from as far as Queens and Brooklyn.
Christian DeFiris is the CEO of Extreme Cage Fighting and the driving force behind ECF Gym. A five-time amateur champion across multiple combat sports disciplines, Christian built ECF into New York's premier MMA promotion — with a gym to match. His relationship with the sport goes beyond business: he has trained alongside elite fighters and brought professional-level coaching to Long Island.
Christian DeFiris with UFC President Dana White
The Legacy Continues
From Long Island mats to the biggest names in the sport — ECF Gym has built real relationships across the fight world, and our members train inside that pedigree every day.
Bio coming soon. Our head coach brings decades of championship-level experience to the ECF mats.
Our Values
Discipline
Show up. Do the work. Repeat.
Respect
For training partners, coaches, and the craft.
Perseverance
The fight is won in the rounds nobody sees.
Community
A team that lifts each other on and off the mat.
Train With Real Fighters
ECF Gym is the official home of Extreme Cage Fighting. Members train shoulder-to-shoulder with active competitors and championship-tested coaches.
Championship-Level Coaching
Our staff brings real competition experience across BJJ, Muay Thai, wrestling, and MMA — not theory, but proven techniques honed in the cage.
A Real Path to Compete
Members who want to test themselves can compete in live ECF events held throughout New York. Few gyms can offer that pathway.
Open Seven Days a Week
Adult and youth classes run every day of the week, so your training never has to wait for the calendar.
Built for Long Island & NYC
Conveniently located in Oceanside with members commuting from across Nassau County, Queens, and Brooklyn.
Online Exclusive Offer — View Our Schedule & Pricing
Drop your info and we'll send class times, intro-week pricing, and how to book your first session at ECF Gym.