Having expanded his career beyond strength competitions, Eddie Hall has ventured into combat sports. Following an exhibition boxing match in 2022, Hall made a unique debut in a 2-on-1 fight last year, leading to a viral highlight. More recently, “The Beast” had his professional MMA debut, securing a dominant win by knocking out five-time World`s Strongest Man Mariusz Pudzianowski in just 30 seconds. With a taste for the sport, Hall indicates he`s far from finished with the four-ounce gloves.
Hall recently shared his potential next steps on his YouTube channel, stating, “I`m hoping two things. It`s either I get another fight booked for November/December, or I`m going to cut for a bodybuilding show.” He clarified that his decision hinges on receiving a compelling offer from a fight promotion. Hall revealed discussions are underway for potential bouts against high-profile opponents like Francis Ngannou and Ben Rothwell, among other intriguing possibilities. While these conversations are frequent, securing an actual fight contract remains a separate challenge, though Hall expressed readiness for these opportunities.
The potential matchup that has particularly captured public imagination is against Francis Ngannou, the lineal heavyweight champion widely regarded as one of MMA`s most devastating knockout artists. KSW CEO Martin Lewandowski even publicly suggested the fight before Hall`s bout with Pudzianowski. Considering Ngannou`s reputation, Hall admitted facing him would undeniably bring significant apprehension.
Hall didn`t mince words regarding the prospect of stepping into the cage with Ngannou, confessing, “Getting in the ring with Francis Ngannou, it scares the living shit out of me.” Despite the fear, he acknowledged the slim chance of victory, adding, “I`m 99 percent certain he will beat me. But it`s that one percent. That one percent. And I`ve got that one percent. Having that power, you`ve only got to land one shot and you`ve got it.”
He conveyed similar trepidation about facing bare-knuckle champion Ben Rothwell, stating, “Ben Rothwell… scares the shit out of me.” However, Hall emphasized his willingness to take on any opponent provided the financial terms are satisfactory. “Again, if the money is right, I`ll take any fight. That`s what it`s about. It`s about putting food on the table for my family for generations, and I`ll just pray to god nothing bad happens to me in the process,” he explained.
A fight with Ngannou, however, appears unlikely in the immediate future. Ngannou hasn`t competed since October 2023 and has recently been involved in a tragic incident in Cameroon, which may impact his timeline for returning to fighting.
Despite the potential challenges with the Ngannou fight, Hall isn`t short on alternative ideas. He even floated a unique concept involving his recent opponent. “Hell, maybe me and Mariusz Pudzianowski team up and we do a 2-v-4,” Hall suggested, highlighting his focus on entertainment in combat sports. “That would just be awesome! Two World’s Strongest Men against four good level fighters. That is entertainment, and that’s where I want to go with this.”
