EXCLUSIVE: MMA fighter who coached Brighton shares who excelled with battling attitude

Christian Eckerlin has multiple roles. He runs a nightclub in Germany, creates popular YouTube videos, and is known as a top European MMA fighter. Yet earlier on, he aimed to be a footballer too.

The King of Frankfurt as he is called played in the Junior Bundesliga during his youth days and reached as high as the third division in his professional career. At that point he was already mixing football drills with combat training. Eventually when the choice had to be made he picked the path of the fighter.

A few matters occurred behind the scenes including a coaching staff shift along with other factors. Yet the choice was settled after my debut bout. I realised I must pursue this route since I had never felt so vibrant as in that instant. The rest is history Eckerlin tells Flashscore in an exclusive interview.

Even after gaining success in MMA he still visits football grounds.

In 2024 he headlined when OKTAGON filled the Deutsche Bank Park the home of Eintracht Frankfurt in his hometown setting a new record for the biggest crowd ever at an MMA event.

In October the promotion returns to the venue to repeat that achievement and naturally the local favourite Eckerlin will feature again.

Prior to that he took on an unexpected extra role in the Premier League with Brighton.

Fabian Hurzeler aimed to enhance his squad in set pieces. He thought it wise to involve me so I was reached by his staff Eckerlin reveals.

The German fighter feels his sessions added value to the group.

I valued the modern setup and the positive mindset across the squad as every player approached it with openness and eagerness to pick up skills. They turned the session smooth and I am certain they enjoyed it too. I sensed they embraced the idea fully.

Fighting is a natural pursuit and it draws many people in. Footballers are no exception he recalls.

When questioned about any players who might move from the field to the cage like he did Eckerlin named two.

Milner and Dunk really excelled

The group performed solidly overall but James Milner and Lewis Dunk truly excelled. They possess combat drive and needed intensity yet they absorbed the lessons fast with fine physical control. They ought to give it a go and I would be glad to aid them in practice and more Eckerlin tells Flashscore.

The OKTAGON name thinks that besides set pieces any contests inside the area are moments where MMA drills prove useful.

Every scenario in the box turns into a battle over each bit of space. One must stay firm and avoid being pushed around. That is my basic tip for defending set pieces battle over each bit simple as that he says.

Eckerlin trusts in mixed training and that many sports people can gain from some MMA work.

Every game depends on hip control but it is central to MMA and grappling. I believed adding a few core wrestling moves would aid their stance and steadiness he explains about what he passed on to Brightons players.

Since his work with Brighton spread widely online Eckerlin has not been approached by other teams yet he is sure the Brighton visit will not be his only time with footballers.

Any top level sport shows the value of steady daily effort Eckerlin says.

I still enjoy football but MMA sits in another league. It brings a special thrill to compete and one must grasp it is not a team game. Of course a strong support crew is essential but the contest is yours alone.

I prefer to rely on my own abilities. The rush in MMA has no match.