Eddie Hall to Battle 5x WSM Champion Mariusz Pudzianowski in KSW 105 MMA Showdown
Eddie Hall is set to step into the cage against the legendary Mariusz Pudzianowski, a five-time World’s Strongest Man champion, in what promises to be a high-octane clash of titanic proportions. Known for his relentless drive and insatiable thirst for competition, Hall has long expressed his ambition to carve a name for himself in combat sports. However, given his immense stature and raw power, finding an appropriate opponent has been a challenge. Fortunately for fight fans, that wait is over. Hall has officially announced that he will square off against Pudzianowski on April 26, 2025, as part of the KSW 105 event.
The former World’s Strongest Man made the announcement via his YouTube channel, detailing the highly anticipated bout and sharing insights into his preparation. The fight, sanctioned by KSW, will feature four-minute rounds, pushing both competitors to their cardiovascular limits.
“The fight is on… I have been trying to get into MMA for a long time now and then the time has come. The deal landed on my lap to fight Mariusz Pudzianowski…
I think he fought for the KSW title at one point. So, you have got to think, KSW, as a fight federation, has to be the best fight federation in Europe… So, there is no doubt that at some point, Mariusz has been Top 3-5 in MMA in Europe, which is a hell of an accolade. That is like one of the most dangerous men on the planet.
So, I am fighting Mariusz Pudzianowski. That sounds ridiculous to say… I have got to lose a lot of weight… We are fighting four-minute rounds because Mariusz wouldn’t drop down below four minutes. I wanted two minutes (rounds)… MMA rules, so pretty much anything goes.
Am I scared? Yes, I am scared. Mariusz is just a ferocious fighter. He is so violent in the way he explodes and he has knocked so many people out.
I’ve got no harm in admitting to myself that I am diving into the deep end here. I am fighting one of the world’s best fighters and I am probably going to get my a** beat. But, if I didn’t think I could beat him, I wouldn’t be doing this.
In the remainder of his video, Hall provided a behind-the-scenes look at his training regimen, daily nutrition, and recovery protocols. Demonstrating his unwavering dedication to his fight camp, Hall is making significant dietary adjustments, slashing his caloric intake from 6,000–7,500 calories per day down to 4,500. Currently tipping the scales at 164 kilograms (361 pounds), his goal is to cut down to 150 kilograms (330.7 pounds) to optimize his mobility and endurance. Additionally, Hall has intensified his conditioning work, incorporating swimming and other cardio-heavy drills to ensure he can withstand the rigors of a professional MMA bout.
Watch Eddie Hall’s full video here:
Eddie Hall’s Combat Sports Evolution
Hall’s journey into combat sports began in the wake of his well-documented rivalry with Hafthor Bjornsson, sparked by controversial Strongman results and the coveted All-Time Deadlift World Record. Their feud culminated in a highly publicized boxing match, where Bjornsson emerged victorious via judges’ decision.
Despite the setback, Hall remained determined to pursue a fighting career. His aspirations seemed set to materialize when he was offered a contract to compete in an MMA tournament alongside other strength titans such as Brian Shaw, Mitchell Hooper, and Martyn Ford. Unfortunately, the event failed to materialize.
Undeterred, Hall took an unconventional route to test his mettle in the octagon. He participated in a rare 2v1 MMA contest, where he squared off against two smaller but agile opponents simultaneously. Displaying raw knockout power, Hall secured an emphatic victory, finishing the fight with a brutal KO. Seizing the moment, he used his post-fight interview to issue a direct challenge to Mariusz Pudzianowski. After months of speculation, the bout is now officially set in stone.
Interestingly, Pudzianowski had initially called out Hall nearly five years ago. However, at that time, Hall admitted that his conditioning was not up to par for an MMA contest. Fast-forward to today, and it’s clear that the former Strongman champion has completely overhauled his training, embracing a rigorous combat-oriented regimen.
Mariusz Pudzianowski: From Strength Legend to MMA Veteran
Mariusz Pudzianowski’s dominance in the Strongman world is the stuff of legend, with five WSM titles cementing his legacy as one of the all-time greats. However, upon retiring from Strongman, he seamlessly transitioned into MMA, where he has built an impressive career.
Pudzianowski made his professional MMA debut in 2009 under the KSW banner, securing a victory in his first outing. His fighting style, characterized by brute strength, explosiveness, and relentless aggression, has made him a fan favorite. Over the years, he has squared off against some of the most recognizable names in the sport, including Bob Sapp, former UFC champion Tim Sylvia, and knockout artist Eric ‘Butterbean’ Esch. Win or lose, Pudzianowski’s fights have always delivered fireworks.
Throughout his MMA career, Pudzianowski has amassed 27 fight appearances, securing 17 wins—12 via knockout—while suffering nine losses, five of which came by KO. He also has one ‘No Contest’ ruling on his record.
Eddie Hall vs. Mariusz Pudzianowski: Clash of Strength and Willpower
Although Hall possesses an undeniable size advantage, Pudzianowski’s vast MMA experience gives him a significant edge in this matchup. Hall, standing 3 centimeters (1 inch) taller, will likely use his reach and power to dictate the pace, but his success will depend on whether he can neutralize Pudzianowski’s skill and adaptability inside the cage.
Another crucial factor in this showdown is age. At 37, Hall is in his athletic prime, whereas Pudzianowski, at 48, may face challenges keeping up with the relentless pace of an intense MMA fight. However, the Polish powerhouse has spent over a decade honing his craft in the sport, and his deep well of experience could prove to be the ultimate equalizer.
Both men have conquered the pinnacle of Strongman competition. Hall claimed the prestigious title in 2017, while Pudzianowski remains the most decorated Strongman in history, securing WSM victories in 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2008. Their shared elite-level competitive mindset and warrior spirit will undoubtedly make for a blockbuster MMA battle. With brute strength, iron-clad willpower, and sheer determination colliding inside the cage, fight fans are in for an electrifying contest between two of the strongest men to ever step foot in an MMA arena.
