The possibility of a colossal superfight in MMA is drawing closer following Eddie Hall`s stunning debut victory.
Last weekend at KSW 105, the former World’s Strongest Man made his official mixed martial arts debut against five-time World’s Strongest Man Mariusz Pudzianowski. This highly anticipated “freakshow fight” ended swiftly, with Hall defeating Pudzianowski in just 30 seconds.
Speaking after his dominant win, Hall confirmed he is not finished with MMA but clarified he has no ambition to become a ranked competitor. His focus remains on engaging in enjoyable and logical matchups, particularly against other notable figures often referred to as “the freaks of the world.”
This opens the door for potential opponents like Francis Ngannou.
Ngannou is widely recognized as the lineal heavyweight champion in MMA and is considered among the most formidable fighters to ever compete in a cage. Even before Hall`s recent fight, KSW CEO Martin Lewandowski had suggested that the winner between Hall and Pudzianowski would make an excellent opponent for Ngannou. Hall appears receptive to the idea, provided the financial terms are suitable.
In an interview, Hall humorously described the potential matchup as being “thrown in with the wolves.” He emphasized the need for considerable preparation, stating he would require extensive training, ideally six to nine months with top-level athletes and camps. He stressed that the financial reward would have to be substantial, given the significant risks involved in facing someone like Ngannou, acknowledging that it`s “literally putting your life on the line.”
Hall admitted that Ngannou holds a clear advantage in conventional fight skills. However, he highlighted the inherent unpredictability of fighting, suggesting that landing a single powerful right hand could potentially lead to a knockout. He stated he wouldn`t enter the fight believing he had zero chance, but reiterated that a major financial incentive would be necessary to take on such a dangerous challenge.
Hall`s current contract with KSW includes a planned second fight, originally intended as a rematch with Pudzianowski. However, Pudzianowski seemed unenthusiastic about a second bout after the quick loss, which Hall understands. If a rematch or a fight with Ngannou doesn`t materialize next, Hall remains interested in other options, notably Dillon Danis. Despite Hall denying any prior links to a fight that Danis recently brought up, Hall is now keen to make the matchup happen, especially after Danis`s recent provocations.
Hall views a contest against the jiu-jitsu specialist Danis as fitting the “freak fighting” concept perfectly – a clash between a grappling world champion and a 150 kg former World`s Strongest Man. He sees it as highly entertaining and appealing to audiences, directly calling on promoters like Misfits or KSW to arrange the fight.
Furthermore, if other potential fights fall through, Hall mentioned another unconventional path he`d be excited to pursue: fighting two opponents simultaneously.
He expressed enthusiasm for two-vs-one bouts, recalling a fight he had last year where he felt entirely in his element. Hall acknowledged the significant danger of taking on two opponents, noting that despite potential weight differences, facing “double the trouble” requires immense courage. He believes this unique challenge is something few others would accept and that audiences find it compelling and want to witness.
