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Eddie Hall Knocked Out Pudz in 30 seconds with Illegal Blow
- Austin Jones
- 10 hours ago
- 3 min read
Eddie Hall's Controversial MMA Debut: A 30-Second Knockout Marred by Illegal Blow
Eddie Hall, the former World's Strongest Man, made an explosive debut in the world of MMA at KSW 105 in Poland on April 26, 2025. His opponent? None other than Mariusz Pudzianowski, a five-time World’s Strongest Man and a seasoned MMA veteran. In what could have been a storybook entrance to the sport, Hall stunned the MMA world by knocking out Pudzianowski in a mere 30 seconds. However, what should have been a career-defining victory was clouded by controversy.
A Knockout in 30 Seconds
From the very beginning of the bout, Hall’s immense strength was on full display. After an initial exchange, Hall landed a powerful right hand that sent Pudzianowski stumbling. Before the fight could continue, Hall closed in with a flurry of ground strikes that forced the referee to step in and call for a halt to the fight. The crowd erupted in applause as Hall celebrated his victory.
However, the victory wasn’t as clean as it seemed.
Controversy Over Illegal Strikes
Pudzianowski wasted no time in voicing his frustration. The Polish strongman alleged that during the flurry of strikes, Hall had landed several illegal blows to the back of his head. In a post-fight interview, Pudzianowski claimed, “Five hammers to the back of the head were enough, and I blacked out.”
These claims immediately sparked a debate among fans and pundits alike, as such blows are highly dangerous and illegal under MMA rules. The accusation of foul play cast a shadow over what should have been a triumphant debut for Hall.
Eddie Hall’s Apology
In a mature and respectful response, Eddie Hall quickly acknowledged the possibility of an illegal strike. In a public apology, Hall stated, “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.” The former strongman expressed his regret, emphasizing that such actions do not align with his values and that he respects the sport’s rules.
The apology seemed sincere, with Hall noting that his intention was never to cheat or hurt his opponent unfairly. However, the controversy still lingered, with many fans questioning whether Hall's aggressive approach in his first MMA bout could have led to the accidental foul.
Future of the Matchup: Will There Be a Rematch?
While Hall has publicly expressed interest in a rematch, Pudzianowski has hinted that he may be nearing the end of his MMA career. At 48 years old, Pudzianowski noted, “The sport is for young people,” suggesting that a second encounter may not be on the horizon. This comment raised the possibility that the former strongman might be looking to retire, as his age and experience in the sport may no longer be enough to match the relentless energy of younger fighters.
Despite this, Hall has suggested that a rematch, perhaps with an adjusted round duration to two minutes, could provide a more even contest. He also expressed that he’s interested in facing other “freaks of the world,” hinting at unconventional matchups that could add excitement to his budding MMA career.
What’s Next for Eddie Hall?
While Hall's debut left a lot to be desired in terms of sportsmanship, his raw power and drive have captured the attention of the MMA community. As he looks ahead, there’s speculation about potential matchups with former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, who is known for his devastating knockout power. Hall has made it clear that while he doesn’t aim to climb the KSW ranks, he is more interested in creating entertaining, larger-than-life matchups that draw interest and excitement from the MMA world.
With his apology behind him and a new chapter in MMA just beginning, Eddie Hall's journey is one to watch. Whether his next fight is a clean, well-executed contest or another explosive and controversial moment, one thing is certain—Hall is bringing a new level of attention to the sport of MMA.
Conclusion
Eddie Hall’s MMA debut will be remembered as much for its controversy as for its spectacle. While his knockout of Pudzianowski was undeniably impressive, the illegal strikes to the back of the head left a stain on the win. As the dust settles, both Hall and Pudzianowski will have to decide whether they want to revisit their rivalry in the cage or leave it behind. For now, Hall’s MMA career remains a fascinating story, with plenty of twists and turns yet to come.
Stay tuned to FIGHT.TV for the latest updates on Eddie Hall’s journey in MMA and other breaking combat sports news.