Full Breakdown
Brighton Turns to MMA for Set-Piece Edge
5/2/2026, 3:25:01 AM
MMA Session for Set-Piece Defense
Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Fabian Hurzeler confirmed that an unnamed mixed-martial-arts fighter was invited to a training session “a couple of months ago” to help the squad develop a physical edge in defending set-pieces. Midfielder Jack Hinshelwood first revealed the experiment, and Hurzeler said the club seeks new ways to win one-on-one duels during corners and free-kicks.
Set-Piece Record & Innovation
Brighton have scored only 13 set-piece goals this season, a total exceeded by just four other Premier League sides, and currently sit sixth in the league, prompting a search for alternative defensive tools given their modest height. At 33, Hurzeler is the youngest Premier League manager in charge and the second-youngest ever to manage a league match. He has previously trained with British boxer Harlem Eubank, showing a willingness to borrow techniques from combat sports. The MMA session follows a broader move toward unconventional preparation, illustrated by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s 2024 “pick-pocket” drill.
Club Statement
Hurzeler said the club “has spoken a lot about set-pieces, blocking, and new trends in the Premier League,” adding the fighter was brought in to “find ways we can’t be beaten easily against taller teams.” He stressed “resilience in personal duels” and noted “there are always ways you can defend and attack in these one-on-one duels.” The coach declined to name the MMA practitioner, emphasizing technique over identity.
Criticism & Gaps
The experiment has attracted curiosity and skepticism, as cross-sport training remains rare in football. Observers cite Arteta’s pick-pocket drill as another unconventional method, questioning whether such practices translate into measurable on-field gains. Sources do not reveal the MMA fighter’s name or the specific drills taught, leaving a verification gap.
Quotes
- “We brought him in because we’ve spoken a lot about set-pieces, blocking, and new trends in the Premier League.” — Fabian Hurzeler, Brighton head coach
- “I don’t want this club to always be known as a club that is nice. In certain moments, you have to be quite resilient in personal duels.” — Fabian Hurzeler
- “An MMA fighter always has one-against-one duels. They always need to find a way to beat an opponent. We try to get ideas from other sports and this was an idea we used.” — Fabian Hurzeler
- “We don’t want to be beaten easily when we face taller teams. We might not be that physical regarding our height, but there are always ways you can defend and attack in these one-on-one duels.” — Fabian Hurzeler
Future
Brighton travel to St James’s Park to face Newcastle United after a strong run of form. The club says it will continue to assess the impact of MMA-inspired techniques as the season progresses.
