Eckerlin was a professional footballer in Germany before transitioning to MMA, and says he taught Brighton players “wrestling, head control, hip control, and how to push back against opponents”.
Days before this interview with Eckerlin took place, the Seagulls moved up to third in the Premier League after beating champions and set-piece kings Arsenal 3-0.
Eckerlin is quick to play down the impact of his advice for the Brighton players, but admits his training “opened doors” for them.
“The Premier League is more physical, more aggressive, and they don’t know how to use their body,” Eckerlin told BBC Sport.
“Brighton sent me videos of how they defend, and they did nothing with their hips and arms.
“I taught them first in the weightlifting room, then the pitch, and it worked. This is what I did, I opened doors for them.”
Eckerlin was a professional footballer from 2005 to 2009, playing for SV Darmstadt in the third tier of German football at the peak of his career.
As a youngster, Eckerlin always wanted to play for the team he supports, Eintracht Frankfurt, but believed his dream was over when he left the sport.
Little did he know that MMA, and specifically European promotion Oktagon, would help make his dream of performing there come true.
In 2024, Eckerlin beat fellow German Christian Jungwirth at Frankfurt’s Deutsche Bank Park in front of nearly 60,000 fans in the most-attended MMA event of the year.
On Saturday, Eckerlin returns to the stadium also known as the Waldstadion for a second time to face the Czech Republic’s David Kozma at Oktagon 94 with nearly 60,000 expected once again.
“It was my first dream, when I was in the Waldstadion when I was six or seven with my uncle. It was the dream for me to play there but I thought the fire went out,” says Eckerlin.
“I cannot tell you in words what this means to me. The biggest thing in my career. And now for the second time… crazy.
“I’m at the end of my career, I’m 39, so this is maybe my last fight. There’s no better way to stop fighting in my backyard, you know.”
Arsenal in shock 3-0 loss at Brighton to lose top spot in the Premier League on goal difference to Manchester City.
Published On 19 Sep 202619 Sep 2026
Arsenal slumped to a first loss in their Premier League title defence – and it was a heavy one at Brighton.
After four straight wins for the champions, the 3-0 defeat at the Amex Stadium on Saturday came out of nowhere. Conceding the third goal from a corner — typically an area of strength for Arsenal – summed up an unusually sloppy performance from Mikel Arteta’s team.
Pascal Gross and Charalampos Kostoulas scored in the first half with shots from outside the penalty area, before Chema Andres completed the win with a header at the back post from Gross’s corner.
The victory will have been especially sweet for Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler, who said “only one team tried to play football” after his team’s narrow home loss to Arsenal last season.
Arsenal have often struggled against Brighton, which was the last team to inflict such a heavy defeat on the Gunners in any competition — winning 3-0 at Emirates Stadium in May 2023.
It completed a brilliant week for Brighton, after beating Coventry 5-0 in the league last weekend and coming from two goals down in midweek to beat Manchester United 3-2 away in the English League Cup.
Manchester City — the other team to win their first four games — can now move three points clear in the standings by beating Sunderland on Sunday.
They began their second European campaign in the Norwegian city of Tromso last month, knowing the Conference League offers the chance of that elusive first trophy.
They play in a magnificent stadium, a short train journey from the city centre, with its new corporate areas, and, generally, inclusive family atmosphere. Their recruitment model, buying players in and selling them on for vast profits, is envied. The new Brighton just beat Manchester United at Old Trafford for the fifth time in six visits. Four games into their 10th consecutive Premier League campaign, they sit fifth.
The contemporary Brighton exist the way they do largely because of the vision and investment of Tony Bloom.
Born in Brighton, Bloom is a lifelong fan. His connection to the club is through his grandfather Harry, a former vice-chairman, and uncle Ray, a director.
Bloom, 56, is an entrepreneur. He made his money in finance and gambling, largely through the use of data. He became chairman in 2009, and masterminded the rise from League One and move into the American Express Stadium. Last season, Brighton‘s average attendance was more than 31,000.
In their 125-year history, Brighton have never had it so good.
“Anyone walking into Brighton today compared to even 15 years ago would not think it was the same football club,” sporting director Mike Cave told BBC Sport.
“The club has been on an unbelievable journey. We’ve got staff members and many fans who have done that journey. For those of us who weren’t here 15 years ago, our responsibility is to ensure what’s to come – and I think there’s lots – is better than what’s happened in the recent or long-distance past.”
As for Bloom himself, he has reflected on Brighton‘s 125th birthday in the programme for the Arsenal game.
“Since 1901, this football club has been part of the fabric of our city and the broader county of Sussex,” he said.
“It has connected generations of families and communities. Grandparents have brought their children and grandchildren to matches. Lifelong friendships have been forged on terraces, in stands and on away trips.
“Through good times and bad, Brighton & Hove Albion has provided so many of us with some of the most memorable moments of our lives.
“This club is in my blood. Some of my earliest and most cherished memories are wrapped up in the sights and sounds of the Goldstone.
“When I had the privilege of becoming owner and chairman, it was like being entrusted with something precious to safeguard and help develop for the future.
“Many of you reading these words will remember those difficult years. The loss of the Goldstone. The long journeys to Gillingham. The challenges of the Withdean era.
“What got this football club through was the determination of its fans. The bucket collections. The protests. The refusal to accept the Albion should disappear. This anniversary belongs as much to those supporters as anyone. Quite simply, without them, we would not be here today.”
Whether they beat Arsenal or not, Brighton stands tall, for those who fought to preserve something they felt was special, and a man who had a vision – and finance – to build something better.
Who: Brighton vs Arsenal What: English Premier League Where: Amex Stadium, Brighton in United Kingdom When: Saturday, September 19, at 3pm (14:00 GMT) How to follow: Al Jazeera Sport will have all the build-up to our live text commentary stream from 11:00 GMT.
Premier League holders Arsenal head to Brighton on Saturday with a chance to extend their lead at the top of the table to three points.
Second-placed Manchester City, who have also won four from four to start the new English top-flight season, entertain Sunderland on Sunday.
Al Jazeera Sport takes a look at the game, which produced a feisty finale in the clubs’ last meeting.
What was the issue between Arsenal and Brighton last season?
Mikel Arteta has made peace with Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler following their row last season as the pair go head-to-head again on Saturday.
Hurzeler criticised Arteta’s style of play during a 1-0 loss to the Gunners at the Amex Stadium in March.
The German said “only one team tried to play football” and accused Arsenal of “making their own rules”.
With the champions heading back to Brighton in the top flight this weekend, the spotlight will be fixed on the touchline to see if the spat lingers.
Hurzeler refused to back down this week when quizzed on his comments from last season.
“I think it’s very important that in football there are opinions,” he said.
“I will definitely always share my opinion if I am asked. But, in the end, I congratulate Arsenal for being deserved champions. They deserved it.”
Speaking on Friday, Arteta insisted there was no bad blood over Hurzeler’s blast.
“That’s all done. That’s all in the past,” the Arsenal manager told reporters.
“I have huge respect for Fabian, and what he’s done and what Brighton has done as a club.
“It’s just remarkable, and tomorrow is going to be a beautiful game to watch, I’m sure.”
How have Arsenal started the new season?
Arsenal have made a flying start to their Premier League title defence, with four successive victories taking them to the top of the table.
The north Londoners also won their opening Champions League match against Napoli and booked their place in the League Cup fourth round on Tuesday with a win at Ipswich.
Teenage playmaker Max Dowman starred against Ipswich in his first appearance this season, scoring twice to underline why he is regarded as one of the brightest young talents in the Premier League.
The 16-year-old has made his case for a bigger role in Arteta’s plans after being an unused substitute in the opening weeks.
But when asked if the teenager has been knocking on his door to play, Arteta said: “The best way to knock on the door is to do it on the pitch, not in the office.
“Then you just leave out the arguments. When a player delivers constantly on the pitch, every single day in training, that’s the best way, that’s the best signal for the manager.”
How does Arsenal’s start rank in their history?
Including the Community Shield against Manchester City, Arsenal have won seven consecutive matches.
Another victory on the south coast would equal the club’s 123-year record for their best start to a campaign.
“We know how complicated it is to win a football match at this level. So, to win seven, it tells a story,” Arteta said.
“After the World Cup, there were a lot of unknowns about how the players and the team were going to react. We didn’t have any time with them to work together.
“But I said from day one, the attitude and what I was seeing, I was really impressed with. Then you have to put it down to performances.”
What is the latest on Arteta’s contract at Arsenal?
Arteta is yet to sign a contract extension, with talks ongoing for several months, but the Spaniard is relaxed about the situation.
“I think we are all very much aligned; whenever the time is right, we’ll get that done. There is nothing to be concerned about,” he said.
When did Brighton last beat Arsenal?
The Seagulls last beat the Gunners on May 14, 2023, when they won 3-0 at Emirates Stadium in the league.
Julio Enciso, Deniz Undav and Pervis Estupinan scored the goals in the second half.
Prediction – Arsenal vs Brighton
Opta’s supercomputer has given Arsenal a 57 percent chance of winning, while Brighton have been offered a 29 percent chance.
Head-to-head – Arsenal vs Brighton
This will be the 36th meeting between the clubs, with Arsenal winning 20 of the encounters and Brighton emerging victorious on eight of the occasions.
Brighton team news
Brighton are expected to revert to the side that beat Coventry in their last Premier League outing.
Jaouen Hadjam sustained a knock in the 3-2 League Cup win against Manchester United on Wednesday.
Femi Azeez, Evan Ferguson, Zadok Yohanna, Mats Wieffer, Jack Hinshelwood (unspecified), Kaoru Mitoma, Yankuba Minteh and Stefanos Tzimas all remain part of a lengthy injury list.
IF YOU fancy a night out, the UK has some cracking spots – from more chilled venues to lively spots with big crowds.
One UK city was even recently named as one of the best places to go on a night out in the world.
The UK is one of the best places in the world for a night outCredit: AlamyPlaces like Infernos are legendary but it isn’t just London that is great for clubbingCredit: Cyann Fielding
With so much choice though, it can be hard to know where to go in the city.
So, here are our top spots for a night out across the UK:
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Brighton
Brighton was recently named on of the best cities in the world for a night outCredit: Visit BrightonWhy not book a beach hut, pick some tunes and try out some karaokeCredit: Visit Brighton
According to Time Out, Brighton is the best city to go on a night out in the UK and one of the best spots in the world.
The publication commented: “Brighton’s legacy as the home of the UK’s LGBTQ+ nightlife scene continues to thrive.
“Of all cities on this ranking, Brighton received the highest score for its sense of community, with 84 per cent of locals saying it’s easy to make connections in the seaside city.”
Travel reporter Alice Penwill said: “Brighton is fun whatever the weather, and whatever the time.
“During the day you can enjoy the delights of the seaside, then in the evening head to the pubs and club – which is why it’s a hot spot for hens, stags, birthdays and a good ol’night out.
“One of the most popular spots is OHSO Social thanks to its position on the beachfront.
“During the day it has a relaxed vibe full of friends catching up over a pint with live music in the background. Then from the early evening it turns up a notch with DJ events and beach parties.
“You can stay there for the whole day if you like as on Saturdays it opens at 10am and closes at 2am.
“On one wet and windy night in Brighton, myself and some friends ventured to the Beach Huts down on the front to try out some karaoke.
“You can book out the hut, pick the tunes and staff will deliver drinks to you don’t even have to leave to go to the bar and stay singing your heart out instead.”
London
Fairgame next to St Paul’s Cathedral offers street food, cocktails and a host of carnival-style games all in one venueCredit: Fairgame CityBunga 90 is one of the newer attractions in the cityCredit: Trip Advisor
Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without the capital and when it comes to a night out in London, there really is something for everyone.
For example, the city is home to Britain’s biggest nightclub – Drumsheds.
Able to host up to 15,000 people, the venue is inside a former IKEA warehouse and has various different events including parties, festivals and DJ sessions.
And you’ll be able to find 24-hour cafes in the city as well – for example, you could head to Polo Bar on Liverpool Street which serves full English breakfast 24 hours a day.
Or head to Duck & Waffle which is on the 40th floor of 110 Bishopsgate, so you can enjoy panoramic views no matter the time.
There are some other spots that don’t quite run the 24 hours a day but are still worth visiting like Bar Italia for espresso at between 7am and 5am the following day.
Or head to London Night Cafe in Aldgate – a dedicated late-night workspace and lounge.
When it comes to themed bars, London has a load as well.
You can head to Bunga 90 in Covent Garden, where you venture through a time machine disguised as a fridge, back to the 90s – complete with giant pizzas and fun memorabilia.
Or drop by Fairgame right next to St Paul’s Cathedral, where you can get competitive with different carnival-style games.
Manchester
Manchester has a lot of different gaming bars, including one where you an play real-life Mario KartCredit: AlamyChaos Karts is a fun Mario Kart-like attractionCredit: chaoskarts
Manchester is a a fantastic night out for a late one (with many bars open past 3am) but is also seen as the Gaming Capital of the North.
So for any keen gamers, there loads of fun things to choose from.
Try Chaos Karts, a real-life indoor Mario Kart attraction, or NQ64, with retro arcades and themed drinks.
Of course some of the biggest nights out are found on Canal Street, part of the city’s Gay Village.
Expect everything from live music to drag shows as you bar hop along the pubs.
Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey added: “Manchester has a fantastic bar scene with one of the most famous being Schofields, often named one of the best in the UK.
“But my favourites? Try The Morris or Bar Shrimp, both of which have very unique cocktail menus that transport you back in time.
“But if you want to go on into the late hours, end your night at K2, with two floors of karaoke which is open until 4am on weekends.
“And end with some chips and gravy, of course…”
Glasgow
Glasgow has a great western vibe like Maggie’s Rock n’ RodeoCredit: SuppliedThe late-night venue offers live music, sport and a mechanical bull pitCredit: Maggie´s Rock´n´Rodeo
Glasgow was recently named one of Time Out’s best cities to visit in Europe this year, ranking fourth.
Having recently visited the city, Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding says she gets it: “Often overshadowed by the capital Edinburgh, Glasgow has a lot to see and do.
“Rather uniquely, Glasgow’s night scene transports you to deep south America. Buck’s Bar is great for famished visitors, with giant chicken burgers and a true Texan vibe inside.
“A couple of doors down, you’ll find Maggie’s Rock n’ Rodeo – and it is as fun as it sounds.
“A small crowd shuffled around the dancefloor, performing a number of different line dances to a live country singer – what could be more fun?
You can even have a go at a mechanical bull at the venue as well.
If you want to continue your night, head to The Park Bar, , which is a traditional and historic Scottish pub dating back to 1895 with live traditional music often including an accordion player.
Newcastle
And in Newcastle you’ll find a tonne of pubs and cool breweriesCredit: AlamyThere is also great live music at St James’ ParkCredit: Alamy
Up in the north, Newcastle is a great spot for a walkable night out with many spots close together.
Former Sun reporter, Ryan Gray said: “Newcastle isn’t just a place for crazy nights out, cheap trebles and drinking shots with celebs.
“It also has more than its fair share of relaxing pubs, perfect for whiling away an evening with a couple of pints.
“Undoubtedly the best place to do that is the Ouseburn Valley, with historic boozers like the Cumberland Arms, the Tyne Bar and the Ship making for a fantastic pub crawl away from the craziness of the city centre.
Here you can head to Free Trade, which has amazing views of the Tyne as well as a beer garden.
The city is also home to some great tap rooms and breweries.
For live music enthusiasts, there are a number of venues with large gigs as well as venues with more intimate shows.
Ryan added: “Smaller venues like the Head of Steam opposite the train station showcase the next generation of musical talent, while the Cluny in the Ouseburn Valley regularly hosts established names.
“Elsewhere, the City Hall and Utilita Arena are your go-to spots for bigger names, while Newcastle United’s football stadium St James’ Park has been known to host blockbuster gigs as well.
“With a scene that has produced the likes of Sam Fender in recent years, going to the smaller venues might be worth your while if you want to catch the next wave of talent before it hits the big time.”
Chelsea maintained their perfect start to the new Premier League season as they held on to defeat Brighton in an entertaining match at Stamford Bridge.
Who: Chelsea vs Brighton What: English Premier League Where: Stamford Bridge, London, United Kingdom When: Sunday, August 30, at 2pm (13:00 GMT) How to follow:Al Jazeera Sport will bring you all the build-up from 10:00 GMT ahead of our live text commentary stream
Chelsea and Brighton will look to build on decent starts to the season, as the Blues welcome the Seagulls to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea began life under new coach Xabi Alonso with a breathless 3-2 victory at West London neighbours Fulham in the Premier League on Monday as their exciting front three of Joao Pedro, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer all found the net.
They then followed that up with a solid 2-0 win over Luton in the League Cup on Thursday.
But Fabian Hurzeler’s Brighton side also came into the game in a buoyant mood after recording back-to-back 4-0 home wins over Aston Villa in their Premier League opener last weekend and against Norwegian side Tromso in a Europa Conference League playoff on Thursday.
Brighton will also fancy their chances against Chelsea, having won their last three league games against the Blues while finding the net three times on each occasion.
Fernandez’s Chelsea future uncertain as Alonso seeks commitment
Alonso said he wants players that “feel a desire” to play for Chelsea after Enzo Fernandez was left out of Thursday’s League Cup win over Luton.
The Argentina midfielder has been linked with a move to Manchester City, but no suitor has yet met Chelsea’s reported 120 million-pound ($162m) valuation of Fernandez.
The 25-year-old came off the bench in the Blues’s 3-2 win over Fulham to give Alonso a winning start to his reign in the Premier League on Monday.
However, the former Real Madrid boss hinted that Fernandez may not be involved against Brighton.
“We need to take everything into consideration: players that are in good moments, players that are not feeling that energy to play. For me, it’s very important that they feel that desire to play and to have good preparation,” said Alonso.
“We talked and we decided that [for Luton] it was better not to be part of the squad. He’s a top player, there’s no doubt about that.”
Alonso arrives at Stamford Bridge for the game against Luton [Peter Cziborra/Reuters]
Alonso happy with squad ‘balance’ amid busy transfer window
Selling Fernandez would ease the pressure on Chelsea to meet financial sustainability regulations after another window of heavy investment in the transfer market.
Morgan Rogers, Maxence Lacroix, Marco Palestra, Valentin Barco, Pep Chavarria, Danny Welbeck, Emmanuel Emegha and Geovany Quenda have arrived at Stamford Bridge for combined fees in excess of 300 million pounds ($406m).
Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez is also set to join to replace the error-prone Robert Sanchez as Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper.
There have also been a number of departures from the club in recent days, including strikers Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson.
Alonso, who previously said his bloated squad size needed to be drastically cut, is satisfied with the clear-out.
“We are quite close to the plan that we had. We will see where we finish, if it’s fully executed or there are some things still to be done,” he added.
“But overall the balance of what we have is going to be good. We need to see how the last few days develop.”
Martinez has been signed from Villa but may not make the starting XI for the game against Brighton [Vincent Carchietta/Imagn Images via Reuters]
Hurzeler warns of Cole Palmer threat
After a poor season, Palmer looked back to his best against Fulham as he thrived while roaming in a free role under Alonso.
During his pre-match news conference, Hurzeler warned his side cannot defend against Palmer on a “one-to-one” basis and must be collectively strong to stop the playmaker and Chelsea’s other talents.
The German coach said he was happy with his own squad as the transfer window is set to close.
“There’s a minor issue with small injuries but I’m not here to complain; I’m here to find solutions together with my team and that’s what we try to do since day one, so yes, I’m happy with the squad,” he said.
He said new signings Jaouen Hadjam and Promise David should be available for the Chelsea game.
I think they are two great players. Two great personalities. They make our squad stronger,” he said.
David in action for Canada during the World Cup as he challenges Morocco’s Yassine Boubou [Troy Taormina/Reuters]
Prediction
The Opta supercomputer has made Chelsea the favourites, with a win probability of 49.6 percent. Brighton were given a 26 percent chance of winning, while a draw was estimated at a 24.4 percent likelihood.
Head-to-head
The two clubs have faced each other 28 times, with Chelsea winning 16 games, Brighton winning 7, and five matches ending as draws.
Brighton have won the last four encounters between the two sides, with Chelsea’s last victory in the tie coming back in September 2024.
Last five encounters:
April 21, 2026: Brighton 3-0 Chelsea (Premier League)
September 27, 2025: Chelsea 1-3 Brighton (Premier League)
February 14, 2025: Brighton 3-0 Chelsea (Premier League)
February 08, 2025: Brighton 2-1 Chelsea (FA Cup fourth round)
September 28, 2024: Chelsea 4-2 Brighton (Premier League)
What happened the last time the two clubs met?
Brighton’s Ferdi Kadioglu netted an early opener, and Jack Hinshelwood and Danny Welbeck scored in the second half to pile more misery on floundering Chelsea in a 3-0 Premier League victory back in April.
The result saw Brighton climb above their visitors to sixth in the table, with Chelsea in the midst of a dire run of results that would see them miss out on European football this season.
Kadioglu celebrates scoring his team’s first goal at the Amex Stadium on April 21, 2026 [Warren Little/Getty Images]
Chelsea’s team news
Marco Palestra remains unavailable with an injury, as is Jordan Henderson, who continues to recover from a broken wrist sustained while celebrating England’s last-16 World Cup win over Mexico.
However, Alonso said he was hopeful that key midfielder Moises Caicedo will be fit enough to face his former club, while Levi Colwill and Geovany Quenda are also in contention to play.
Defender Wesley Fofana returns after serving his suspension for a red card on the final day of last season at Sunderland.
Alonso suggested that the unsettled Enzo Fernandez may not feature as he is being linked with a move to Manchester City.
Yankuba Minteh, Kaoru Mitoma, Stefanos Tzimas and Evan Ferguson are all long-term absentees for Brighton.
Jack Hinshelwood and Georginio Rutter are doubts after picking up knocks. If Rutter is unable to feature, then either Charalampos Kostoulas or new loan signing Promise David could start up front.
