Mariusz Pudzianowski is known for landing devastating finishes during his mixed martial arts career, but arguably his most spectacular came against `Bombardier` in 2021.
The five-time World`s Strongest Man winner is preparing to face Eddie Hall this Saturday night at KSW 105 in Gliwice, Poland. He is expected to be significantly outweighed by his opponent, who plans to cut around 30lb but still weigh in at over 340lb.
However, Pudzianowski`s last encounter with an opponent of such considerable size, Senegalese star Seigne Ousmane Dia, did not end well for the latter. `Bombardier`, an African power puncher with a 2-0 MMA record, having won both previous fights within the first round, was quickly dispatched by `Pudzian`.
Reliving the 18-Second KO of the 326lb `Bombardier`
Ahead of their clash at KSW 64, there was intense verbal sparring and a bitter rivalry between `Bombardier` and the five-time World`s Strongest Man winner Mariusz Pudzianowski. Their exchanges fueled an explosive start to their eventual meeting.
Their fight was originally scheduled for earlier in the year but was postponed when Ousmane suffered an appendicitis flare-up on fight night. Instead, he faced Mikola Milanovic, who was making his professional debut and lasted only two minutes.
At the weigh-ins for the rescheduled bout, Pudzianowski and Ousmane had a massive 67lb difference between them. Yet, the significant size disparity proved irrelevant once the fight began.
The Senegalese fighter attacked aggressively from the start, swinging wild haymakers. However, the more experienced Pudzianowski skillfully found his range, landing effective leg kicks and combinations.
He eventually connected with a clean right hand directly on the chin, instantly rendering his opponent unconscious and forcing the referee to step in.
Mariusz Pudzianowski Set to Face Eddie Hall at KSW 105
For the first time since that memorable night at the Atlas Arena in Lodz, Pudzianowski will again take on the challenge of a considerably larger opponent. Combined, `Pudzian` and Hall are expected to tip the scales well over 600lb, with a potential size difference of up to 80lb.
They are scheduled to weigh in on Friday, following an awkward first meeting at their press conference last month. The fight itself will consist of two four-minute rounds with slightly adjusted rules, accounting for the Brit`s limited experience in the sport.
Hall has only one previous appearance in the cage, a bizarre 2-on-1 `Freak Fight` where he knocked out two featherweight brothers simultaneously. He also participated in a boxing match against fellow former World`s Strongest Man Thor Bjornsson, losing by decision.
