Eddie Hall’s Next Challenge: MMA Fight Against Five-Time Strongman Champ

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Prince Horton | Last updated Mar 3, 2025 8:22 PM ET

In an unprecedented matchup, two former World's Strongest Man champions are set to collide in the mixed martial arts (MMA) arena—because apparently, lifting half-ton boulders wasn't enough. Now, they're ready to see if brute force translates to actual fighting technique or if one of them will quickly learn that experience beats raw power, turning what seems like an unstoppable force into a very movable object.

This bout may bring together over 600 pounds of combined muscle and strength, promising a spectacle of raw power. If the Octagon had a weight limit, it would be filing a formal complaint right now. Eddie Hall, the 2017 titleholder, and Mariusz Pudzianowski, a five-time champion, will face off at KSW 105 on April 26, 2025, at the PreZero Arena in Gliwice, Poland. Hall, tipping the scales at 26 stone (364 pounds), and Pudzianowski, a "lightweight" at 18 stone (252 pounds), represent the closest thing to a kaiju battle MMA has ever seen.

Eddie Hall is no stranger to combat sports. In 2022, he faced Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, known as "The Mountain" from Game of Thrones, in a boxing match dubbed "The Heaviest Boxing Match in History." Despite a valiant effort, Hall lost by unanimous decision after six rounds.

Mariusz Pudzianowski transitioned to MMA in 2009 after a decorated strongman career. Over 16 years, he has amassed a professional record of 17 wins in 27 fights, showcasing his adaptability and resilience in the sport.

Hall has expressed a keen interest in pursuing an MMA career and acknowledges the challenge ahead. "It's not like I'm jumping in the deep end or anything! I'm not having a few amateur fights... I'm fighting one of the best in the world," Hall remarked.

The fight will feature modified rules, including four-minute rounds, to accommodate the unique nature of this matchup. Hall aims to reduce his weight to 330 pounds before the fight, underscoring his commitment to this new endeavor.

As the fight date approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be a historic clash between two of the strongest men on the planet. Fans worldwide eagerly await to see how these titans of strength will fare when they transition from lifting weights to trading blows in the cage.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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