Legendary strongmen Eddie Hall and Mariusz Pudzianowski are set to face off at the KSW 105 event on April 26, 2025. The fight is generating excitement among MMA fans, marking the debut for Hall, the 2017 World’s Strongest Man, against the seasoned MMA fighter Pudzianowski, who has had 27 professional fights.
On Sunday, March 2, Hall confirmed the match during a video on his YouTube channel, which detailed his preparations and concerns about facing the five-time strongman champion. "This is happening. I will fight Mariusz Pudzianowski. He’s won world championships and has transitioned to MMA with great success. I know I'm stepping deep here, but I believe I can win this fight," Hall stated, expressing both respect and determination.
The fight will take place at PreZero Arena in Gliwice, Poland, and is notable for its unique structure of three rounds, each lasting four minutes. The round duration was negotiated between Hall and Pudzianowski, who were initially at odds about the length. Hall indicated, "I wanted two-minute rounds, Mariusz wanted five, and we settled on four minutes. This is going to be challenging for me, but I’m ready to push myself."
At 188 cm tall and currently weighing 164 kg, Hall plans to lose weight before the match, aiming to compete at around 150 kg. He detailed his training regimen, which has included strength sessions, hyperbaric chamber sessions, and contrasting therapy with sauna and cold baths, stating, "I need to be super fit; I need to drop some weight to handle the demands of the fight."
These preparations are particularly important as Hall enters the octagon with full awareness of Pudzianowski's history and prowess. The Polish fighter, who has established himself as one of the top MMA competitors since his transition from strongman competitions, holds 17 wins and 9 losses, showcasing his extensive experience. Hall acknowledged this by stating, "I’m stepping onto the mat with one of the most dangerous men alive who has fought the best of the best."
Pudzianowski's involvement with KSW has been substantial, with his history of fights dating back to 2009. His last match was at KSW 83, where he faced Artur Szpilka and experienced defeat, making this upcoming fight against Hall all the more significant as he looks to regain momentum.
While announcing the match, Hall emphasized the prestige of KSW, stating, "KSW is the best MMA federation in Europe. UFC has America, and KSW has Europe." This statement highlights not only the significance of the event for the local MMA scene but also sets the stakes high for both fighters as they aim to prove themselves on such a prominent platform.
Hall, along with his growing fan base, is eager for this confrontation, describing it as his most significant challenge to date. "I’m terrified, yes, 100%. Mariusz is ferocious, and he’s knocked out many fighters. If I didn’t think I could win, I wouldn’t even take the fight. There’s definitely a path to victory, and I’m going to work hard for it," he assured.
Both fighters have previously flirted with the idea of this match. Discussions about making it happen were underway with KSW even before Hall confirmed it. The anticipation and preparation leading up to this match have set the scene for what fans expect to be one of the most remarkable events of the year.
Despite the excitement surrounding the match, uncertainties linger about Pudzianowski's status concerning rumored moves to another organization. Comments from both him and KSW officials have been sparse, and Hall’s announcement put speculation to rest as they moved forward with the match plans. Hall's commitment to the fight stems from his continuous desire to challenge himself after his varied experiences in the ring and his past victory against the Neffati brothers.
The upcoming clash is expected to reignite the strongman vs. fighter narrative, captivating audiences and drawing all eyes to KSW 105. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this confrontation will pan out as both Hall and Pudzianowski prepare to step onto the canvas, embodying the intense intersection of strength sports and mixed martial arts.
Weapons of strength and strategy will collide on April 26, where sheer power, mental fortitude, and the drive to win will beckon both athletes toward this monumental showdown. With Hall's ambition to succeed and Pudzianowski's tenacity, the outcome remains uncertain, promising excitement as the date approaches.
This event not only features two iconic figures of the league but also highlights the growing popularity of MMA within Europe, where KSW champions both athletes and the sport alike.