This weekend, strongman icon Eddie Hall continues his journey in mixed martial arts, facing off against fellow former strongman competitor Mariusz Pudzianowski.
The heavyweight clash takes place in Poland. This marks only Hall`s second professional MMA bout, while Pudzianowski is significantly more experienced in the sport.
Eddie Hall vs Mariusz Pudzianowski Preview
At 37, Eddie Hall is still relatively new to combat sports. However, he holds a significant age advantage, being 11 years younger than the 48-year-old Pudzianowski.
The upcoming fight at KSW 105 in Gliwice, Poland, will be Hall`s first true professional MMA fight following his previous 2-on-1 exhibition match against the Neffati Brothers.
Before this, Hall also competed in boxing, where he was defeated by another former strongman, Thor Bjornsson.
Given Hall`s immense strength and power from his strongman career, including winning World`s Strongest Man in 2017, one might expect him to have a natural advantage.
Yet, Pudzianowski claimed the World`s Strongest Man title five times before transitioning to combat sports. Pudzianowski has been quite successful since changing careers, holding a professional MMA record of 17 wins and 8 losses.
Negotiations for the fight format also seem to favor Pudzianowski, with rounds set at four minutes each – double the duration Hall reportedly wanted.
Commenting on this, Hall stated: “I wanted two-minute rounds. Mariusz wanted five-minute rounds, and somehow we`ve met in the middle, nowhere near the middle at four minutes.”
He added: “I`m not too happy about it. I wanted the two-minute rounds because of my size. I`m 160 kg (352 lbs).”
Hall explained his concern: “My fitness isn`t going to be anywhere near Mariusz`s level, and I`ve never fought MMA before. I know MMA is a lot more taxing on the body.”
Eddie Hall vs Mariusz Pudzianowski Latest Odds
Experience is a significant factor in combat sports, and Pudzianowski clearly holds a vast advantage over Hall in this regard.
This is reflected in the betting odds, but the outcome is not considered a certainty, as Hall`s performance in a professional MMA setting remains an unknown.
Latest odds
- Eddie Hall
- Mariusz Pudzianowski
Eddie Hall vs Mariusz Pudzianowski Predictions
The fight presents a considerable challenge for Hall. However, his position as the significant underdog might work in his favor.
Besides being younger, his relative inexperience in professional MMA means his potential in the sport is largely unknown, adding an element of unpredictability.
Hall`s comments regarding the four-minute rounds highlight a clear concern, as he feels the longer duration puts him at a disadvantage due to his size and fitness relative to Pudzianowski.
Despite the challenges, Hall cannot be entirely counted out based on the current odds.
Gideon Holt