Eddie Hall has acknowledged feeling scared as he approaches his first real MMA fight against Mariusz Pudzianowski, another former World’s Strongest Man.
Hall, who won World’s Strongest Man in 2017, is set to compete against Pudzianowski, a five-time WSM champion and experienced MMA fighter, on April 26 at KSW 105 in Gilwice, Poland. Hall`s MMA experience is limited to a single 2-on-1 `freak fight` and a boxing match, while Pudzianowski has an extensive record of 27 fights over 16 years.
Pudzianowski, though 47 and eleven years older than Hall, is still considered the favorite. Despite Hall`s considerable athleticism and weight of 330lb, the fight will proceed with modified rules: two four-minute rounds with a 90-second break in between.
Eddie Hall Admits to Fear Facing Mariusz Pudzianowski
Taking on a 27-fight veteran for his MMA debut is a significant challenge for Eddie Hall, given the huge difference in MMA skills and experience. He has only spent six minutes in a cage, mostly defending against two opponents simultaneously.
Hall understands the difficulty of his situation. Speaking to the media in Poland, he said: “I think being scared is natural. Even in strongman competitions, you feel fear and nervousness.”
“If you`re not scared or nervous, something is wrong. I am facing Mariusz Pudzianowski, who has 26 professional fights, is a five-time World’s Strongest Man, and is a very tough guy. Stepping into the cage to fight someone with 26 fights when I`ve only had one? That`s scary!”
“So, I have a lot to be afraid of, and the four-minute rounds have also been hard to accept. He has many advantages, but I decided to just go for it and accept the four-minute rounds. Let’s get it done.”
Mariusz Pudzianowski Reveals Strategy for Eddie Hall Fight
While Hall`s MMA experience is limited, Pudzianowski`s veteran status gives him the understanding needed to handle Hall’s initial power. Hall mentioned relying on quick bursts of strength, followed by movement, and Pudzianowski believes he just needs to survive those early moments to win.
“Eddie is not just a street fighter,” Pudzianowski told the media after their first face-off. “He is genuinely strong, weighing 160kg (over 352lb) today and expected to be around 150kg (over 330lb) on April 26.”
“I understand his strength because we come from similar backgrounds. For the first two minutes, he will be like an unstoppable engine. My advantage is my experience over youth, and some cunning.”
“If I avoid falling for any simple tricks, I should be okay. But we shouldn`t underestimate him. He’s a heavyweight, and his punches carry a lot of weight.”
