Celtic players Scott Brown and Keiran Tierney prepared for their visit from Kilmarnock today in unique style.

Yesterday the two were involved in a special MMA coaching session from three of the fighters from the MMA promotion Absolute Championship Berkut (ACB), who are preparing for their own event in Glasgow at the SSE Hydro on Saturday, October 1st.

Saul Rogers, Chris Bungard and Callum Murrie visited Celtic’s training base Lennoxtown and held pads for Scott Brown and Keiran Tierney.

ACB commentator, Bryan Lacey, said: “It was great fun. Both the footballers and the Martial Artists learned a bit about each other.

“Mixed Martial Artists have to master Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, karate, and boxing and alongside that they have to be ready to do three five-minute rounds. When you think about what we were doing on the pads, it’s an unbelievable level of fitness as well.

“ACB is the third biggest Mixed Martial Artists in the world and they have chosen to come to Scotland to launch their first UK event. We are doing it at the Hydro so we’re aiming big. We have seven Scottish fighters on the cards, all different levels, so it’s a huge card of 19 fights and a load of fun on October 1.”

“Keiran Tierney was the first one to put the gloves on, the first one to put on the pads and just seeing that enthusiasm and that crossover with the sports is great. The respect between the athletes is fantastic.

“And if Scott Brown was a fighter he would be Conor McGregor. Just his enthusiasm and energy makes you see why he is the captain. It’s been so great to be at Lennoxtown and we really appreciate Celtic having us.”

Speaking to Celtic TV, Scott Brown said: "That was hard work, but I still fancy my chances against KT! It's a different kind of fitness, it was intense and I enjoyed that as well.

Tickets are still available for the event on Saturday, October 1 at the SSE Hydro, and are available through Ticketmaster.

Online Editors