Brighton set-pieces – Fabian Hurzeler says Brighton has brought an MMA fighter into training to sharpen set-piece defending ahead of Newcastle.
Brighton are chasing more than just points this weekend, with Fabian Hurzeler turning to an unlikely source to tighten up their set-piece defending.
Ahead of Saturday’s clash with Newcastle. the Seagulls’ head coach confirmed that an MMA fighter has been added to training as part of a broader push to be tougher in the moments that decide duels.. Hurzeler framed it as an effort to improve their one-on-one resilience. particularly in situations where opponents try to overpower teams through height and physicality.
Misryoum understands Hurzeler believes the Premier League’s latest trends demand sharper adaptation. and he says the MMA angle offers specific value because it centres on direct confrontations.. “We spoke a lot about set-pieces. ” Hurzeler said. pointing to defending techniques such as blocking and the different ways players can win individual battles when the play tightens.
This is not simply a novelty session. Hurzeler’s message is that Brighton want to shed any perception of being “too nice” and instead become more dependable when the game demands aggression, discipline, and physical answers in personal duels.
The coach also linked the training idea to the kind of challenges Brighton expect against Newcastle. describing the opposition as a very physical team.. With tall rivals often posing a threat at dead-ball moments. Hurzeler suggested Brighton need multiple methods to prevent opponents from getting the easiest advantage.
In that context, the set-piece work appears designed to help the Seagulls defend with greater certainty, even if they are not always the tallest side in a given matchup. For Hurzeler, the goal is to find ways to resist being “beaten too easily” and to respond effectively rather than accept pressure.
The MMA training also fits a wider pattern in Hurzeler’s approach to preparation. Misryoum notes the coach has previously mixed in cross-sport work, including boxing-style fitness sessions, in a bid to sharpen players’ readiness both physically and mentally.
Ultimately, this shift matters because set-pieces are often the quickest route to momentum in high-stakes matches. If Brighton can translate that duel-focused toughness into their defensive moments, it could turn tight games into opportunities rather than risks.