Mariusz Pudzianowski, the legendary strongman and MMA fighter, has officially announced his return to the cage, much to the excitement of fans. At a special press conference held on March 28, 2025, Pudzianowski revealed that he will face fellow strongman Eddie Hall at the XTB KSW 105 gala in Gliwice on April 26, 2025. This highly anticipated showdown will mark Pudzianowski's comeback after a two-year hiatus following a knockout loss to Artur Szpilka in 2023.
The announcement of this clash between two of the strongest men in the world has generated significant buzz in the MMA community. Pudzianowski, who has an MMA record of 17 wins and 9 losses, is known for his impressive strength and fighting skills. He has not fought since losing to Szpilka and Mamed Khalidov, but his fans have eagerly awaited his return to the ring. "Pudzian" last tasted victory in May 2022, when he knocked out Michał Materla.
On the other hand, Eddie Hall, who is making his MMA debut, has a record of 0-0-0 in mixed martial arts. Hall is a former World's Strongest Man, having earned the title in 2017, and has been training in MMA for some time. His most notable previous fight was a boxing match against Hafthor Bjornsson in March 2022, which he lost by unanimous decision. Hall's strength achievements are impressive, including a deadlift of 500 kg, making him a formidable opponent despite his lack of MMA experience.
The fight will take place under special rules, with two rounds lasting four minutes each and no weight limit, allowing both fighters to compete at their full capacities. This unique setup has fans speculating about the fight dynamics—will Pudzianowski utilize his grappling experience to dominate Hall, or will Hall's raw power give him an edge?
As excitement builds for this clash, the full fight card for XTB KSW 105 has also been announced, featuring several other thrilling matchups. The main event will see Adrian Bartosiński defending his KSW Welterweight Championship against Andrzej Grzebyk, while Rafał Haratyk will defend his Light Heavyweight title against Ibragim Chuzhigaev. Other notable fights include Artur Szpilka facing Errol Zimmerman and Laura Grzyb making her MMA debut against Gabriela Hristea.
The KSW organization has confirmed that the event will be broadcast exclusively on Canal+ in Poland, with international viewers able to watch it on KSWTV.com. This partnership marks the beginning of a new era for KSW, as they aim to expand their reach and provide fans with high-quality broadcasts of their events.
Pudzianowski's return has been a topic of speculation for months. Initially, he was in talks with the Fame MMA organization, but legal issues delayed any potential transfer. Ultimately, he decided to return to KSW, where he has achieved significant success in the past. The upcoming fight against Hall is not just a personal challenge for Pudzianowski, but also an opportunity to re-establish himself as a top contender in the MMA world.
Fans are eagerly awaiting the showdown between these titans of strength, as both fighters have expressed their determination to win. Pudzianowski, who has dominated the strongman scene and has a wealth of experience in combat sports, will be looking to prove that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level. Meanwhile, Hall aims to make a statement in his MMA debut, showcasing his strength and newly acquired skills.
As the fight date approaches, the anticipation continues to build. Will Pudzianowski's experience and tactical prowess prevail, or will Hall's raw power and determination lead him to victory? One thing is for sure: this matchup promises to be an unforgettable spectacle for MMA fans around the world.
The full fight card for XTB KSW 105 is as follows:
- Main Event: KSW Welterweight Championship Bout: Adrian Bartosiński (15-1) vs. Andrzej Grzebyk (22-6)
- Co-Main Event: Mariusz Pudzianowski (17-9) vs. Eddie Hall (0-0)
- Light Heavyweight Championship Bout: Rafał Haratyk (20-5-2) vs. Ibragim Chuzhigaev (19-5)
- Artur Szpilka (3-1) vs. Errol Zimmerman (1-1)
- Igor Michaliszyn (12-3) vs. Artur Szczepaniak (12-3)
- Madars Fleminas (13-6) vs. Kacper Koziorzębski (11-6)
- Szymon Bajor (25-11) vs. Augusto Sakai (16-6-1)
- Laura Grzyb (0-0) vs. Gabriela Hristea (3-0)
- Marcin Krakowiak (13-5) vs. Adam Niedźwiedź (9-4-1)
- Michał Turyński (1-0) vs. Denis Górniak (6-2)
With the stage set for a thrilling night of fights, fans are counting down the days to see how this epic clash will unfold. Will Pudzianowski reclaim his place among the elite in MMA, or will Hall make a triumphant entry into the sport? Only time will tell!
