UFC fighter Gilbert Burns visits Everton FC and trains with defender Ben Godfrey, showcasing striking skills.
Prior to Everton FC's showdown against city rivals, Arsenal, Kill Cliff FC's star Gilbert Burns paid a visit to the Toffees. While his presence didn't change the result of the match, it certainly created a buzz among fans from both the soccer and MMA worlds. Burns, a former welterweight title challenger, took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a video of his training session with Everton defender Ben Godfrey, showcasing some impressive striking skills.
Benjamin Matthew Godfrey, an English professional footballer plying his trade with Everton in the Premier League, is known for his remarkable versatility and solid defensive prowess. His journey from representing England at various youth levels to earning a senior cap is a testament to his talent. Godfrey's adaptability has been a standout feature of his career, as he's excelled in central midfield and full-back positions in addition to his primary role as a dependable defender.
Gilbert Burns, fresh from his victory over Belal Muhammad at UFC 288, showcased his coaching skills during his training session with Ben Godfrey. Despite injuring his shoulder in his last fight, Burns demonstrated his striking expertise by holding mitts for Godfrey, guiding him through uppercuts, hooks, and straight right hands. Burns, with a 3-3 record in his last six fights against elite competition, is a seasoned UFC fighter who has triumphed over some of the sport's biggest names.
Burns' visit to Everton's Goodison Park created an exciting blend of MMA and football worlds. His enthusiasm for this unique collaboration was evident through a video posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account. Burns, who trains under the guidance of Henry Hooft at Kill Cliff FC, displayed his striking coaching prowess. However, despite his presence, Everton fell short against Arsenal, losing 0-1.
Both Burns and Godfrey have experienced recent setbacks in their respective fields, but their collaboration on the training ground remains a remarkable moment for fans of both sports.
Read more about Gilbert Burns' visit to Everton and his training session with Ben Godfrey.