Eddie Hall`s unusual 2-on-1 MMA fight went viral in 2024 thanks to a knockout that nearly didn`t occur without referee intervention.
In June last year, the 2017 World`s Strongest Man Eddie Hall, who had a significant weight advantage of over 62lb, defeated the Neffati Brothers, two social media personalities, by knockout. The siblings organized the event as part of the World Freak Fight League and initially appeared to have a viable strategy.
In the first two rounds, the brothers avoided direct engagement, using occasional leg kicks and retreating to maintain a lead on points. However, in the final moments, the referee urged for more action, leading to both brothers being decisively defeated.
- HUGE: World’s Strongest Man Eddie Hall will be ‘unstoppable steam engine’ in Mariusz Pudzianowski fight
Eddie Hall was given five word message by referee in 2v1 freak fight
Hall`s MMA debut took place last summer after a strongman tournament in Qatar was cancelled. He then chose to participate in a 2-on-1 `freak fight` against the much lighter Neffati Brothers.
While Hall`s knockout went viral and boosted the event`s online popularity, it masked the generally uneventful nature of the fight. The brothers aimed to keep their distance from the strongman and were leading on points until the final seconds.
Hall recounted in an interview with Bloody Elbow, “In the last round, with 30 seconds left, the referee told us after the second round, `We need more action.`”
He continued, “In those final seconds, they attacked, which was perfect. I grabbed them, threw them around – all that training for just five seconds of impactful action.”
Hall explained his frustration: “By the third round, they were ahead on points due to leg kicks and constant evasion. If it had gone to the scorecards, they would have won.”
He added, “Given their size, being defeated by two 65kg fighters would have been humiliating. The late action was crucial; it redeemed the whole fight.”
Eddie Hall now faces Mariusz Pudzianowski in battle of World’s Strongest Man winners
Following the fight in Blackburn, Hall has been seeking a match with Mariusz Pudzianowski. Their fight is scheduled for KSW 105 in Gliwice, Poland, next weekend.
Together, they hold six World`s Strongest Man titles, with Pudzianowski claiming five before transitioning to MMA. Their fight will be a pay-per-view event, consisting of two four-minute rounds.
Hall stated, “My strength is an advantage in MMA. Pudzianowski demonstrated this when he entered MMA at around 140kg; his size and strength intimidated opponents.”
He concluded, “No fighter ever wishes they were weaker. As long as you are fit, being as strong as possible is always beneficial.”
