Swapping the pitch for the octagon: Real Madrid stars attend MMA tournament ahead of derby with Atlético
Jan Novak
Dailysports's expert
Real Madrid's footballers spent an unusual evening on the eve of their crucial La Liga clash against Atlético Madrid. Two days before the derby, the Blancos' players attended a major mixed martial arts tournament held in the Spanish capital.
On Friday, Madrid hosted a night from the Professional Fighters League (PFL), with the main event featuring a middleweight showdown between local champion Costello van Steenis and Fabian Edwards.
Among those in the stands watching the action were Real Madrid stars. Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior, Dean Huijsen, Franco Mastantuono, and Trent Alexander-Arnold were all present. The players seized the chance to spend time together off the football pitch ahead of a high-stakes encounter with Atlético.
In doing so, the Madrid squad traded the familiar stadium atmosphere for the world of combat sports—fueling up on adrenaline ahead of one of the season's key fixtures.
