Strongman turned fighter Eddie Hall recognizes the formidable challenge a potential bout with Francis Ngannou presents, openly admitting it`s a frightening prospect.
Hall has been venturing into various combat sports in recent years. Following an exhibition boxing match in 2022 and a unique 2-v-1 fight last year that generated a viral highlight, he recently made his official mixed martial arts debut. This came just weeks ago when he secured a decisive 30-second knockout victory over five-time World`s Strongest Man Mariusz Pudzianowski. Having now experienced professional MMA, “The Beast” stated he intends to continue competing with four-ounce gloves.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Hall discussed his immediate future plans. “I`m hoping two things,” he said. “It`s either I get another fight booked for November/December, or I`m going to cut for a bodybuilding show.” He clarified that the decision hinges on receiving a satisfactory fight offer from a promotion. Hall mentioned recent discussions about potentially facing high-profile opponents like Francis Ngannou and Ben Rothwell, noting that various fight promotions, including Misfits, have initiated conversations.
“They`re coming in thick and fast, but it`s getting pen to paper and something anchored in. Two totally different things from talking to actually making it happen,” Hall stated, confirming his willingness to pursue these significant opportunities. “But I am up for these.”
A fight against Francis Ngannou has particularly captured public interest, with some promoters even suggesting the matchup before Hall`s bout with Pudzianowski. Given Ngannou`s reputation as a lineal heavyweight champion and widely regarded as one of MMA`s most devastating knockout artists, Hall admitted such a fight would naturally cause some trepidation.
Hall was candid about the prospect of facing Ngannou.
“Getting in the ring with Francis Ngannou, it scares the living shit out of me,” he confessed. “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 expressed similar apprehension regarding facing Ben Rothwell, the bare-knuckle champion.
“Ben Rothwell, the bareknuckle champion, scares the shit out of me,” Hall said. However, he reiterated his pragmatic approach to taking challenging fights: “But again, if the money is right, I`ll take any fight. That`s what it`s about.” Hall explained his primary motivation is to provide for his family for generations to come, adding, “and I`ll just pray to god nothing bad happens to me in the process.”
As for Ngannou, his last professional fight was a first-round PFL knockout win in October. However, recent tragic personal circumstances involving a motorcycle incident in Cameroon currently demand his attention, making a potential fight between him and Hall seem improbable in the immediate future.
Fortunately, Hall has no shortage of other, perhaps less conventional, ideas for future bouts, including one involving his recent opponent, Mariusz Pudzianowski.
“Hell, maybe me and Mariusz Pudzianowski team up and we do a 2-v-4,” Hall suggested, envisioning a unique spectacle. “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.”
Marcus Blakely