April 26th proved to be a busy night for fight enthusiasts, with numerous combat sports events taking place within a short timeframe.
Prior to the UFC`s return to Kansas City, featuring Ian Machado Garry`s win over Carlos Prates, several other significant contests captured attention throughout the day.
While London witnessed a notable boxing encounter where Chris Eubank Jr emerged victorious against Conor Benn, many eyes were also fixed on Poland.
At KSW 105, a heavyweight clash saw Eddie Hall stop Mariusz Pudzianowski in a stunning 28 seconds after the two powerful men began exchanging blows.
The fight was explosive but brief, and immediately following the chaotic conclusion, a major talking point emerged.
Eddie Hall Addresses Allegations and Apologizes for Hits to the Back of the Head
After suffering his third consecutive knockout defeat, Mariusz Pudzianowski raised concerns about the manner in which the fight ended at the PreZero Arena in Gliwice, Poland.
The former five-time World`s Strongest Man was visibly hurt early in the fight. Eddie Hall capitalized on this, using his strength to control his stumbling opponent while attempting to land follow-up strikes.
Immediately after the bout was stopped, Pudzianowski was seen holding the back of his head. He later posted about his issues on social media, stating:
“I lost!!! 5 hammers to the back of the head were enough and I blacked out. A hit to the back of the head was enough!!!”
Upon reviewing footage of the fight, it is apparent that several of Hall’s ground and pound strikes, delivered as Pudzianowski was already compromised, did indeed connect with the back of his head during the finishing sequence.
This is perhaps not surprising given the fast-paced and somewhat messy nature of the fight and Pudzianowski`s limited MMA experience, but his complaint regarding the illegal blows appears valid.
Whether these blows definitively altered the outcome remains debatable, but notably, the referee did not appear to issue a warning for striking the back of the head.
While Hall did not specifically mention this incident in his immediate post-fight social media, he later addressed the issue directly when speaking to the media, showing respect for Pudzianowski and apologizing for his actions.
“I do hold my hands up when I say, ‘I’m sorry for hitting you in the back of the head.’ I don’t condone that and I wouldn’t want it done to me.”
Rematch Possibility: Hall Open, Pudzianowski Hesitant
In his post-fight interviews, Eddie Hall clarified that he is not intending to pursue world titles or a lengthy career in mixed martial arts.
He did express willingness to face Mariusz Pudzianowski again in a rematch, especially in light of Pudzianowski`s complaints. However, the Polish icon seemed less enthusiastic about the prospect.
Pudzianowski had already suggested he was considering retirement before this fight, given his many achievements, and the quick 28-second loss did not seem to change his stance.
The 48-year-old commented on his age and future plans, stating:
“I turned 48, almost 49. The sport is for young people. What’s next? I don’t know.”
