From BBC Sport · · 1m
Christian Eckerlin: Brighton's MMA coach and Frankfurt's stadium star
Christian Eckerlin, 39, helps Brighton train with MMA techniques while fighting in Frankfurt's Waldstadion for 60,000 fans.
In brief
Christian Eckerlin, 39, helps Brighton train with MMA techniques while fighting in Frankfurt's Waldstadion for 60,000 fans. Eckerlin's MMA training boosted Brighton's set-pieces and he's fighting in Frankfurt for his final career bout. Originally reported by BBC Sport.
Brighton's set-piece coach
Christian Eckerlin, a 39-year-old MMA fighter, taught Brighton players wrestling and hip control to improve set-pieces.
“The Premier League is more physical, more aggressive, and they don't know how to use their body”
Frankfurt stadium legend
Eckerlin fought in Frankfurt's Waldstadion with nearly 60,000 fans attending his Oktagon 94 event.
“It was my first dream, when I was in the Waldstadion when I was six or seven with my uncle”
MMA career transition
Eckerlin played football from 2005 to 2009 before switching to MMA after leaving German football.
“I got a little bit crazy and partied with friends. But my popularity went down with the coaches”
Brighton's success
Brighton moved up to third in the Premier League after Eckerlin's training improved their set-piece defense.
“Brighton sent me videos of how they defend, and they did nothing with their hips and arms”
Frankfurt dream
Eckerlin's childhood dream was to play for Eintracht Frankfurt, which he now fulfills through MMA.
“It was the dream for me to play there but I thought the fire went out”
Final fight
Eckerlin's Oktagon 94 fight in Frankfurt is likely his last professional bout at age 39.
“I'm at the end of my career, I'm 39, so this is maybe my last fight”
The main idea
Eckerlin's MMA training boosted Brighton's set-pieces and he's fighting in Frankfurt for his final career bout.
