EDDIE HALL takes the next step in his MMA career this weekend with a showdown against former Strongman rival Mariusz Pudzianowski.
The super-heavyweight encounter in Poland will only be Hall’s second fight, with his Polish opponent far more experienced in this sphere.
Eddie Hall vs Mariusz Pudzianowski preview
It’s still early days in the combat sports career of Eddie Hall, despite the fact he’s now 37.
Yet he’ll have youth on his side, being 11 years younger than 48-year-old Pudzianowski.
The KSW 105 bout in Gliwice, Poland will be the first ‘real’ MMA bout he’s contested, after his 2v1 success against the Neffati Brothers.
That was a first contest in this sphere (octagon, technically) having boxed, and been beaten by, another former Strongman in Thor Bjornsson.
So looking at Hall and the strength and power of his Strongman career – particularly winning World Strongest Man in 2017 – you’d assume he’d have an advantage over any opponent.
However, Pudzianowski won that crown on FIVE occasions before retiring to take up a combat sports career.
And he’s doing well in his post-Strongman, averaging a win rate around 67% having won 17 of his 25 bouts to date.
It looks like Pudzianowski also got the better of the negotiations too, with the fight being contested over four minute rounds – DOUBLE what Hall was hoping for.
On that, Hall said: “I wanted two-minute rounds. Mariusz wanted five-minute rounds, and somehow we’ve met in the middle, nowhere near the middle at four.
“I’m not too happy. I wanted the two-minute rounds because I’m so big. I’m 160 kg [352lbs].
“My fitness isn’t going to be anywhere near what Mariusz is, and I’ve never fought MMA before — and I know MMA is a lot more taxing on the body.”
Eddie Hall vs Mariusz Pudzianowski latest odds
Experience counts for a lot in this game and Pudzianowski’s far outweighs that of Hall, clearly.
That’s reflected in the betting but it’s by no means a foregone conclusion, with nobody quite knowing what to expect from the Brit.
Latest odds from BetMGM
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Eddie Hall vs Mariusz Pudzianowski predictions
It’s going to be tough for Hall. That’s a massive understatement.
But he’s also seemingly got a massive underdog status and that might play to his strengths.
He arrives here 11 years younger than the Polish brute and has that unexposed element of not really knowing what he can produce.
The above quotes on the rounds is of some concern as he clearly believes the longer rounds puts him at a significant disadvantage.
But at the prices, you can’t ignore Hall.
Eddie Hall to win at 9/2 with BetMGM – HERE
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