Eddie Hall made a sensational entry into the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) on April 26, 2025, as he triumphed over Mariusz Pudzianowski in a highly anticipated showdown at KSW 105 held in Gliwice, Poland. In a stunning display of power and aggression, Hall, the former World's Strongest Man, finished Pudzianowski in just 30 seconds with a first-round TKO, leaving fans and commentators alike in awe.
The fight, dubbed the "World's Strongest Fight," was touted as Hall's toughest test yet against the five-time World's Strongest Man, Pudzianowski. With a professional record of 17 wins out of 27 fights, Pudzianowski was considered a formidable opponent. However, Hall, who weighed in at 336 pounds, was relentless from the start, landing a right hand that sent Pudzianowski to the canvas. Hall quickly followed up with a barrage of punches, forcing the referee to step in and stop the contest.
"I didn't break my hand on the Neffati Brothers. But I broke my hand on Mariusz' face," Hall remarked after the fight, revealing that he suffered a broken right hand during the bout. Despite the injury, he expressed satisfaction with his performance, stating, "I'd say Mariusz is a much harder fight than the Neffati Brothers." Hall's victory marked his official debut in professional MMA, bringing his record to 1-0.
Hall's path to this moment has been anything but conventional. After winning the World's Strongest Man competition in 2017, he transitioned to various combat sports, including a failed boxing match against Hafthor Bjornsson in 2022 and a loss in an arm wrestling match in late 2024. The buildup to this fight saw Hall originally slated to face Pudzianowski after winning a bizarre 2vs1 bout against the Neffati Brothers in June 2024.
Despite the quick victory, the fight was not without controversy. Fans took to social media to debate the legality of some of Hall's strikes, particularly those that appeared to land on the back of Pudzianowski's head. One user commented, "That looks staged not to mention the hammer fists in the back of the head…." Another added, "Eddie Hall should've been immediately disqualified for those multiple punches to the back of the head.. Absolutely shambolic." While Hall's victory was celebrated by many, the concerns raised by fans highlighted the ongoing discussions about fighter safety and fairness in the sport.
Following the fight, Hall expressed a desire for a rematch with Pudzianowski, who hinted at retirement after suffering his third consecutive defeat. "I'm not thinking about the future," Pudzianowski admitted, emphasizing the challenges of competing at his age. At 48 years old, he acknowledged that the sport is primarily for younger athletes, stating, "What's next? I don't know." This sentiment has raised questions about the future of the legendary strongman in the ring, as he contemplates his next steps.
In his post-fight interview, Hall made it clear that he has no aspirations of climbing to the top of the KSW rankings. "I've got no aspirations to be No. 1 in KSW. That's just not for me. I want to come and have fun. I want to fight my heroes. I want to fight the freaks of the world," he said. This approach reflects Hall's desire to enjoy the sport and challenge himself against unique opponents rather than solely focusing on championship glory.
The event itself was part of a larger card that featured other exciting matchups, including a welterweight title defense by Adrian Bartosinski against Andrzej Grzebyk, which went the distance and showcased incredible heart from both fighters. Bartosinski retained his title in a hard-fought battle, further adding to the night's excitement.
As Hall continues to navigate his new career in MMA, he remains a figure of interest not only for his physical prowess but also for his charismatic personality. His willingness to engage with fans and share his experiences in training has endeared him to many, even as he faces scrutiny over his fighting style. Hall has admitted that he struggled in training sessions against top UFC fighters, such as interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, which serves as a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead as he develops his skills in the cage.
With this explosive debut, Eddie Hall has undoubtedly made his mark in the MMA world, but the question remains: what’s next for the man known as "The Beast"? As he looks to the future, fans will be eager to see if he can replicate this success and continue to entertain in the octagon.
