Eddie Hall has stated that training alongside a UFC champion significantly impacted his impressive performance in his mixed martial arts debut.
The British strongman had his professional MMA debut last Saturday at KSW 105 in Poland, facing off against fellow World`s Strongest Man champion Mariusz Pudzianowski.
Hall, aged 37, needed only 30 seconds to defeat the five-time World`s Strongest Man and KSW veteran, finishing the fight with unanswered ground and pound strikes.
`The Beast` sought guidance and knowledge from Tom Aspinall, the interim UFC heavyweight champion, and his father, Andy, in the months leading up to his fight against Pudzianowski in Poland.
Hall expressed deep gratitude to them for their role in his victory.
He commented: “I believe Tom and Andy would be quite pleased with that performance.”
“I`ve trained briefly with Tom,” he stated, “and as I`ve mentioned before, sparring with Tom is a very humbling experience.”
“You might think you know how to fight or wrestle, but then you step into the ring with Tom, and he makes you feel completely outmatched.”
“Tom wished me the best,” Hall recalled. “He texted me earlier today saying, `Good luck with the fight, don`t forget to enjoy it.`”
“Being around them, especially Andy Aspinall, who is also an exceptional coach…”
“Andy can explain a technique just once, you see it, and you instantly understand what to do.”
“So, truly, those few training sessions with Tom and Andy definitely paid off. They made a significant difference.”
Eddie Hall has hilarious staredown with Mariusz Pudzianowski ahead of MMA debut.
Despite his dominant victory over KSW icon Pudzianowski, Hall stated he doesn`t plan to become a regular fixture in the Polish promotion`s heavyweight division.
When asked about his future plans, he remarked: “Perhaps Mariusz might agree to a rematch with two-minute rounds.”
“I have no ambition to be the top fighter in KSW.”
“That`s just not my goal. I want to participate and enjoy myself.”
“I want to compete against my idols. I want to face the unique personalities of the world.”
Elton Marrow