April 26 was a busy day for combat sports enthusiasts, with several major events taking place within hours of each other.
Before the UFC returned to Kansas City, where Ian Machado Garry defeated Carlos Prates, several other significant fights took place throughout the day.
While London might have seen a classic fight with Chris Eubank Jr defeating Conor Benn, many eyes ultimately turned to Poland.
At KSW 105, in a heavyweight clash destined for the history books, Eddie Hall stopped Mariusz Pudzianowski in just 28 seconds after the two giants began trading blows.
The fight was incredibly exciting while it lasted, but one main topic of discussion emerged immediately after the chaotic spectacle.
Eddie Hall Apologizes to Mariusz Pudzianowski for Strikes to the Back of the Head
After suffering his third consecutive knockout loss, Mariusz Pudzianowski voiced complaints about how the fight unfolded at the PreZero Arena in Gliwice, Poland.
The former five-time World`s Strongest Man was rocked early in the fight, and Eddie Hall used his strength to control his unsteady opponent while attempting to land follow-up strikes.
Immediately after the fight was stopped, Pudzianowski held the back of his head, then posted his grievances on Instagram Stories.
“I lost!!! 5 hammers to the back of the head were enough and I blacked out. A hit to the back of the head was enough!!!”
Upon reviewing the fight footage, it is evident that several of Hall`s ground and pound strikes to an already hurt Pudzianowski did land on the back of his head as Hall attempted to finish the fight.
This isn`t entirely surprising given the chaotic nature of the fight and the former strongman`s lack of MMA experience, but his Polish opponent certainly has a valid point.
Regardless of whether it would have changed the outcome, the referee did not appear to issue a warning about hitting the back of the head.
Hall did not address this in his post-fight social media statement, but he showed respect to Pudzianowski by apologizing for his actions when speaking to the media.
“I do hold my hands up when I say, `I`m sorry for hitting you in the back of the head.` I don`t condone that and I wouldn`t want it done to me.”
Eddie Hall is Open to a Rematch, But Mariusz Pudzianowski Was Less Interested
In his post-fight interview, Eddie Hall stated that he is not interested in chasing world titles or similar achievements in MMA.
He mentioned that he would be happy to have a rematch following Mariusz Pudzianowski`s complaints, but the Polish icon did not seem convinced by the idea.
Pudzianowski had already spoken about retirement before the fight, considering all he has accomplished, and the 28-second loss did not change his stance.
The 48-year-old fighter stated that he is not currently thinking about the future.
“I turned 48, almost 49. The sport is for young people. What’s next? I don’t know.”
Tags: Eddie Hall, KSW 105, Mariusz Pudzianowski
