Eddie Hall made a stunning entrance into the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) by defeating Mariusz Pudzianowski in just 28 seconds during their highly anticipated bout at KSW 105 held on April 26, 2025, at the PreZero Arena in Gliwice, Poland. This fight, dubbed the "World’s Strongest Fight," saw Hall, the 2017 World’s Strongest Man, overpower Pudzianowski, a five-time World’s Strongest Man champion, in a display of raw power and explosive strength.
Weighing in at 151.3 kg (334 lb), Hall had a significant weight advantage, outweighing Pudzianowski by 67 lb as the Polish fighter tipped the scales at 267 lb. Despite being the larger competitor, Hall entered the cage with the challenge of facing a seasoned MMA fighter, with Pudzianowski boasting 26 bouts in KSW and a wealth of experience in combat sports.
As the fight commenced, Hall wasted no time, landing a powerful strike that sent Pudzianowski off balance right from the start. The British strongman’s explosiveness was evident as he quickly gained the upper hand, causing significant damage with his initial punches. "I wanted to show that I’m not just a strongman; I can fight too," Hall said, reflecting on his transition into MMA.
Pudzianowski, known for his incredible strength during his strongman career, attempted to shoot for a takedown, but Hall easily countered, tossing him aside with remarkable ease. The Polish fighter's complaints about shots to the back of the head were overshadowed by the referee's decision to stop the fight just after the half-minute mark, marking a decisive victory for Hall.
This fight was not just a personal rivalry but a culmination of years of anticipation between the two former strongmen. Hall and Pudzianowski’s paths had crossed in the strongman arena before, but their meeting in the MMA cage had fans buzzing. "This is what everyone has been waiting for," Hall remarked before the fight. "It’s time to settle this once and for all."
Previously, Hall had dabbled in boxing, where he faced Hafthor Bjornsson in 2022, losing by unanimous decision. He then made his MMA debut in 2024, where he faced the Neffati twins in a unique 2v1 fight, knocking them both out simultaneously. However, this matchup with Pudzianowski was seen as his most significant test to date.
"I knew this would be a tough fight, but I was ready for it," Hall stated after his victory. "I’ve trained hard, and I’ve learned a lot from my previous experiences in the ring and cage. This is just the beginning for me in MMA." Hall's confidence was palpable as he spoke about his future in the sport, expressing his desire to take on even bigger challenges.
During the lead-up to the fight, Hall had expressed concerns about the fight's structure, particularly the two four-minute rounds agreed upon after negotiations with Pudzianowski. "I wanted two-minute rounds because of my size, but we compromised at four, which is a big ask for me," he said, acknowledging the cardio advantage that Pudzianowski might hold.
Despite these concerns, Hall's performance showcased his ability to adapt quickly in the cage. His strategy focused on utilizing his striking power, which he had previously demonstrated by scoring higher than notable fighters like Alex Pereira and Francis Ngannou on the UFC Performance Institute’s punching power machine. This raw power was evident in his fight against Pudzianowski, where he capitalized on every opportunity to land significant blows.
Hall's victory not only solidified his status in MMA but also highlighted the growing trend of former strongmen transitioning into combat sports. Both Hall and Pudzianowski have carved out successful paths in their respective careers outside of strongman competitions, with Hall now looking to establish himself as a formidable presence in MMA.
Reflecting on the fight, Pudzianowski acknowledged Hall's power but also expressed disappointment at the outcome. He stated, "I felt his strength right from the start. It was a quick fight, and I didn’t get the chance to show what I can do. I’ll learn from this and come back stronger."
The event itself, KSW 105, was streamed live via PlayLive on a PPV basis, drawing fans from around the globe eager to witness this historic clash. As the main event, the fight captured significant attention, not only for the athletes involved but also for the implications it has on the future of both fighters' careers in MMA.
As Hall looks ahead, he is eager to continue his journey in MMA, eyeing potential matchups against other top-tier fighters. "I want to keep pushing myself and see how far I can go in this sport," Hall declared post-fight. "There are so many exciting challenges out there, and I’m ready to take them on."
With this explosive debut, Eddie Hall has firmly established himself in the MMA landscape, and fans will undoubtedly be watching closely to see what’s next for the man who has proven he can not only lift weights but also deliver devastating strikes in the cage.
