Former World`s Strongest Man Eddie Hall is embracing unusual territory in his MMA career. Known as `The Beast`, Hall recently secured a win by knocking out twin brothers Jamil and Jamel Neffati in a bizarre 2-on-1 bout in June 2024.
His latest foray saw him dominate five-time World`s Strongest Man Mariusz Pudzianowski, achieving a swift 30-second knockout at KSW 105 this past weekend. Pudzianowski, an experienced MMA fighter with a 28-fight record, was unable to withstand the power of the 334lb Hall, who was making his professional debut.
Hall Proposes Team-Up with Pudzianowski
Eddie Hall seems focused on unique and high-profile matchups, rather than traditional ranking climbs. Speaking to talkSPORT about his next steps, Hall proposed another unconventional bout:
“Another 2v1 fight,” he suggested, before adding, “Maybe me and Mariusz team up and we go 2vs4. I don’t know, but I just want to do fun stuff.”
Hall emphasized his motivation:
“I want to challenge myself. I just want to do fun stuff in my life. I’ve got no aspirations to climb the ranks. I’ve got no aspirations to have a ranking in any fight Federation.”
He believes his place is in non-traditional fights.
“Where I belong is the freak fights, the 2vs1’s, the Mariusz Pudzianowski’s, the freak fights,” he stated, concluding that a fight against a top-tier regular MMA fighter like Tom Aspinall would be ill-advised: “I think that’s where I belong. You put me in a ring with Tom Aspinall, it’s a recipe for disaster in all scenarios.”
Hall Addresses Controversy Over Illegal Blows
Hall`s victory over Pudzianowski was overshadowed by accusations of landing illegal strikes during the fight. Pudzianowski, who is 48 years old, reportedly complained about being hit in the back of the head.
Hall later addressed the issue, stating:
“I do hold my hands up when I say, ‘I’m sorry for hitting you in the back of the head’.” He added, “I don’t condone that and I wouldn’t want it done to me.”
Pudzianowski accepted the apology via an Instagram story, writing:
“He was better, he won. This is not chess. It happens like that sometimes.”
Pudzianowski`s future in MMA is uncertain. He had mentioned possible retirement before the KSW 105 fight and hinted he might step away from the sport after this loss, his third in a row.
