Eddie Hall gained widespread fame by winning the World`s Strongest Man title in 2017, a significant achievement that preceded his move into combat sports years later.
This upcoming weekend will feature one of the most anticipated and physically imposing matchups in MMA history as Eddie Hall is set to face fellow strongman icon Mariusz Pudzianowski at KSW 105 in Poland.
Hall challenged the multi-time World`s Strongest Man winner last year, shortly after his first public display of cage fighting ability in an unusual 2-on-1 bout where he knocked out both opponents.
In preparation for this bout against another World`s Strongest Man competitor, Eddie Hall has trained with UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, focusing on refining his skills for the cage.
Eddie Hall ‘almost died’ after setting world record
Mariusz Pudzianowski is a five-time World`s Strongest Man champion who transitioned to mixed martial arts in 2009 and has since established himself as a prominent figure in the heavyweight ranks.
Hall`s entry into combat sports has been a gradual process, involving exhibition boxing matches and unconventional fights like his 2-on-1 bout. This Saturday marks his professional debut in the sport.
However, Hall recounted a near-fatal experience nine years ago when he set the world record for the heaviest deadlift by successfully lifting 500kg (1,102 lbs).
“When I lifted it, and as soon as it got past my knees and I was at the halfway point, I guess it was just that, not a feeling of like, f— you to everyone but a feeling of like, ‘There you go.`” Hall began to explain in an interview with Rob Moore.
He continued, “I blacked out, I did the lift, got the down call, and stood there and enjoyed it for a bit, and then when I released, it was like that massive dump of blood just gets flushed all over the place. I managed to unhook a hand and just went (unconscious).
Hall added, “I was convulsing… I was in and out of consciousness, convulsing all around, and it took me a minute to compose myself, there was blood everywhere… My blood pressure was unreadable… My body just couldn’t deal with it… It was a very worrying time,” he continued to tell the story.
Hall and Pudzianowski set to tip the scales at over 600lbs
The upcoming bout on Saturday is sanctioned as a super heavyweight contest, with both former World`s Strongest Men expected to collectively weigh in at over 600 lbs (approximately 272 kg).
Prior to their fight in Poland, the two massive athletes had an awkward chance encounter, highlighting their immense size.
Naturally, Pudzianowski possesses significantly more combat sports experience than Hall, having secured notable victories against opponents like Butterbean and Bob Sapp throughout his MMA career.
