Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) star Khalid Ismail has confirmed plans for the expansion of his Lions Den Gyms (LDG) business at locations "in a radius around London".

LDG was launched by Ismail in 2006 and currently has two fitness centres, one in Chadwell Heath and another in Romford. It is hoped that a third site will open in early 2012.

Ismail told Leisure Opportunities that the Romford club, which was unveiled in early 2010, was funded through reinvesting capital following the success of LDG's first site.

Under a ten-year plan for the business, it is now proposed that LDG will look to consolidate and grow existing facilities at a rate that will enable further investment in new branches.

Meanwhile, Ismail has also worked with local community groups in an effort to engage more young people to take up sport and to focus on learning and training.

Ismail hopes that expanding LDG and offering a "gym for everyone, no matter what your age, fitness level or background", it will help address some issues that led to August's riots.

He said: "There is definitely a call for more centres like ours to be opened in and around London. The riots were about people being drawn into an atmosphere and a way of thinking which is destructive.

"Martial Arts and training teaches self-sacrifice, discipline, self-respect, honour, and can give someone a real sense of achievement. I know how valuable having somewhere like our centres is to go. Not just for youngsters, but for everyone."