In a highly anticipated showdown, former strongman champions Eddie Hall and Mariusz Pudzianowski are set to face off in a super-heavyweight MMA bout at KSW 105 in Gliwice, Poland, on April 26, 2025. This matchup is years in the making, featuring two legends of strength sports who collectively hold six World’s Strongest Man titles. Hall, who claimed the title in 2017, will be making his professional MMA debut, while Pudzianowski, a five-time champion, aims to bounce back after a two-year hiatus from the cage.
Both athletes tipped the scales at the ceremonial weigh-in, with Hall weighing in at 151.3 kg (334 lb), making him the heaviest opponent Pudzianowski has ever faced. The Polish powerhouse, on the other hand, came in at 121 kg (267 lb), which is essentially the minimum weight for the super-heavyweight division where there is no upper limit.
Hall’s impressive weight loss journey has been a topic of discussion leading up to this fight. He began his training camp at 374 lb and has successfully shed around 40 lb to prepare for this bout. Reflecting on his transformation, Hall stated, "I feel good. The main thing about it is that with my training, it’s not about the weight but how fit I am. Am I doing these four-minute rounds and being able to recover within 90 seconds to go again? At the minute, I can say yes. I’ve got no intention to lose too much weight because the cardio is there."
In contrast, Pudzianowski has transitioned from his strongman days, during which he weighed as much as 320 lb, to a lighter fighting weight. The 48-year-old has fought 26 times in MMA since his debut in 2009 and is returning to the ring after losing to Artur Szpilka in June 2023. He aims to erase the memory of his last two defeats and is considered the favorite in this matchup, with betting odds reflecting a significant disparity in confidence between the two fighters.
Fans are eager to see how Hall's strength and size will match up against Pudzianowski's experience and technique in the cage. Hall’s previous experience includes a freak fight victory against two opponents at once, showcasing his raw power, but he will face a much different challenge in Pudzianowski, who is known for his striking and grappling skills.
Pudzianowski, who stands at 6 feet 1 inch tall with a reach of 77 inches, has a storied history in combat sports, having also dabbled in entertainment, including competing on the Polish version of Dancing with the Stars. His experience in the ring gives him a tactical edge, and he will be looking to utilize that to secure a win against Hall.
As the fight approaches, anticipation is building. KSW 105 will not only feature the Hall vs. Pudzianowski fight but also a welterweight championship bout between Adrian Bartosiński and Andrzej Grzebyk, adding to the event's excitement. Fans can expect a thrilling night of fights, with Hall and Pudzianowski expected to make their ring walks around 9:30 PM BST.
The event will be available for streaming through various platforms, and while the prelims are free on YouTube, the main event will require a pay-per-view purchase. With both fighters having much to prove, KSW 105 promises to be a landmark event in the MMA calendar.
In conclusion, the clash between Eddie Hall and Mariusz Pudzianowski is not just a battle of strength but a meeting of two eras in strength sports. As they prepare to step into the cage, fans are left wondering who will emerge victorious in this epic showdown.
