Eddie Hall, the 2017 World’s Strongest Man, has combat sports fans thrilled after his MMA debut. On April 26, 2025, at KSW 105 in Gliwice, Poland, he knocked out Mariusz Pudzianowski in 30 seconds.
The 37-year-old British strongman shocked audiences with his swift victory. This was his first professional fight, following a 2022 boxing loss to Thor Bjornsson.
Now, Hall is chasing massive bouts against Francis Ngannou or Ben Rothwell. He’s also open to a bodybuilding show if fight offers fall short.
On his YouTube channel on May 4, 2025, Hall shared his next steps. He said:
“I’m hoping two things. It’s either I get another fight booked for November/December, or I’m going to … cut for a bodybuilding show. Don’t know which yet. It all depends on if a fight promotion comes to me with a good enough deal. There’s been some talks of me fighting Francis Ngannou, there’s been some talks of me fighting Ben Rothwell … just some insane things have been coming my way. Misfits have started some conversations. … They’re coming in thick and fast, but it’s getting pen to paper and something anchored in. Two totally different things from talking to actually making it happen. But I am up for these.”
Promotions like Misfits Boxing and KSW are discussing deals with Hall. X posts praise his bold move, noting he’s a draw for casual fans.
Hall’s debut sparked talks of big matchups. His punching power, which beat Ngannou’s on the UFC PowerKube in 2024, fuels his confidence.
Facing Fears and Dreaming Big
Hall admitted Ngannou, the PFL heavyweight champion, terrifies him. Ngannou crushed Renan Ferreira in October 2024 and plans MMA or boxing in 2025.
He stated:
“Getting in the ring with Francis Ngannou, it scares the living shit out of me. I’m 99 percent certain he will beat me. But it’s that one percent. That one percent. And I’ve got that one percent. Having that power, you’ve only got to land one shot and you’ve got it.”
Hall believes one punch could change everything.
Rothwell, the BKFC heavyweight champ, also frightens Hall. Rothwell won his title with a 36-second knockout in January 2025. Hall said:
“Ben Rothwell, the bareknuckle champion, scares the shit out of me. But again, if the money is right, I’ll take any fight. That’s what it’s about. It’s about putting food on the table for my family for generations, and I’ll just pray to god nothing bad happens to me in the process.”
Hall shared a wild idea, saying:
“Hell, maybe me and Mariusz Pudzianowski team up and we do a 2-v-4. That would just be awesome. Two World’s Strongest Men against four good level fighters. That is entertainment, and that’s where I want to go with this.” h/t MMAFighting
This shows his focus on spectacle.
KSW’s Martin Lewandowski suggested a Ngannou bout, while Misfits sees Hall as a crossover star. X posts call a Ngannou clash a “superfight,” though some doubt Hall’s skills.
Hall needs six to nine months of training to face Ngannou. If no bouts are set by late 2025, his bodybuilding plan could attract new fans, while his bold vision keeps combat sports lively.
