Celtics’ Joe Mazzulla shows off in MMA offseason training

Joe Mazzulla’s relentless pursuit of improvement doesn’t stop when the NBA offseason begins. As the Boston Celtics gear up for the 2026-27 campaign, the reigning NBA Coach of the Year was recently spotted training at the renowned Xtreme Couture gym in Las Vegas. Shared by MMA insider Ariel Helwani, the footage captured Mazzulla working through intense pad drills and grappling sessions under acclaimed MMA coach Eric Nicksick.

The Celtics coach looked every bit as committed to combat sports as he is to basketball. Mazzulla has embraced Brazilian jiu-jitsu and MMA training for nearly five years. He often visits local gyms during Celtics road trips to maintain his routine. The offseason regimen isn’t simply about staying fit, too. Mazzulla has frequently credited combat sports with helping shape his coaching philosophy. He has previously drawn parallels between a fighter’s discipline, composure and mental resilience and the demands of leading an NBA team.