In a highly anticipated matchup, former strongman champion Mariusz Pudzianowski is set to face British strongman Eddie Hall at XTB KSW 105, scheduled for April 26, 2025, at the ProZero Arena in Gliwice, Poland. This bout marks a significant moment in both fighters' careers as they step into the cage under MMA rules for a unique showdown.
Pudzianowski, known for his impressive strength and competitive spirit, holds a professional MMA record of 17 wins, 9 losses, and 1 no contest. His last fight took place in June 2023, where he suffered a defeat against Artur Szpilka at XTB KSW 93 via technical knockout. Following that match, Pudzianowski was expected to return to action at XTB KSW 100 but withdrew at the last minute, leading to speculation about his future in the sport.
Recent rumors suggested that the 47-year-old Pudzianowski had signed a contract with FAME MMA to compete against Natan Marcoń and Adrian Cios in a one-on-two fight. However, a surprising twist occurred when Eddie Hall announced that he had reached an agreement with KSW for a high-profile clash against Pudzianowski. KSW confirmed this matchup, much to the excitement of fans.
Hall, 37, is no stranger to the world of strength sports, having won the World Strongman title in 2017 and holding the world record in deadlift at 500 kg. Despite his accolades, Hall is relatively new to MMA. He lost a boxing match to Hafthor Júlíus Björnsson, known as "The Mountain," in March 2022 and made his MMA debut in June 2023, where he faced the Neffati brothers in a one-on-two bout, emerging victorious.
The upcoming fight between Pudzianowski and Hall will feature some unique rules. Each round will last 4 minutes, with a 90-second break between rounds, and the match will consist of only two rounds. This adjustment is likely a consideration for Hall's limited experience in combat sports, ensuring a competitive yet manageable format.
As the fight approaches, bookmakers have already started setting odds. Pudzianowski is favored to win, with odds of 1.53, while Hall's odds are at 2.52. This reflects Pudzianowski's extensive experience in the ring compared to Hall's relative newcomer status in MMA.
Fans are eagerly awaiting this clash of titans, as both fighters bring their unique backgrounds and strengths into the cage. Pudzianowski, with his years of experience and competitive edge, will aim to showcase his skills against Hall, who is looking to make a name for himself in the MMA world.
The event is shaping up to be a thrilling night for combat sports enthusiasts, with other exciting matches scheduled to take place at XTB KSW 105. The main event features Adrian Bartosiński defending his KSW Welterweight Championship against Andrzej Grzebyk, while Rafał Haratyk will face Ibragim Chuzhigaev for the Light Heavyweight Championship.
As the date draws nearer, anticipation continues to build for Pudzianowski vs. Hall. Will the experienced Pudzianowski dominate the ring, or can Hall pull off an upset in his MMA debut? Fans will have to tune in to find out!
