Gold Coast SUNS Captain Gary Ablett and Dion Prestia were taken through a crash-course in MMA fighting yesterday after meeting some of UFC’s best fighters at Metricon Stadium.

While Prestia admits he won’t be training for Wrestlemania anytime soon, he said the chance to meet the UFC stars was a great learning experience.

“The boys have done a bit of wrestling this off-season, so for me and Gaz [Ablett] to come down and learn a few things and see how they train was great.”

The GC SUNS have emphasised combat training during the club’s pre-season program.

Ablett highlighted the importance for the SUNS playing group to be more physical as they prepare for their third AFL season.

"We’ve done a bit of wrestling this pre-season, teaching the guys how to use their bodyweight better."

“No doubt that’s going to help us with our tackling next year.”

UFC welterweight Dan Hardy was grateful to Ablett and Prestia for teaching him how to use the Sherrin.

“There are so many sports out there that I just don’t get to experience, being confined to the USA and England,” said Hardy.

"This is a sport that encompasses physical contact and definitely interests me."