Former World’s Strongest Man Eddie Hall is setting his sights on a return to mixed martial arts (MMA) this summer, building on his recent foray into the combat sports world. Hall, who dominated strongman competitions culminating in a 2017 World’s Strongest Man title, has been exploring different athletic challenges since stepping away from the sport, including arm wrestling and a boxing match against Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson – known as “The Mountain” from HBO’s Game of Thrones – in 2022.
Hall’s initial experience in MMA came in 2024 with an unconventional two-on-one bout against influencers Jamil and Jamel Neffati, which he won by knocking out both opponents. He then made his professional MMA debut last year with the Polish promotion KSW, securing a first-round knockout victory over fellow strongman competitor Mariusz Pudzianowski within the first 30 seconds of the fight. Now, the strongman-turned-fighter is aiming for a more significant challenge in the coming months.
“I’ve got a big fight lined up later in the year, which I can’t say just yet,” Hall revealed in an interview with Duelbits, as reported by Bloody Elbow. “But keep your eyes peeled. I’m hoping to have a big-name fight in June and then again before the end of the year.”
Hall has publicly expressed interest in facing Dillon Danis, citing the controversial MMA fighter’s polarizing persona as a key motivator. “I really want to fight Dillon Danis, he’s got to be the most hated guy in MMA,” Hall stated. “I can’t believe how arrogant he is. He says that he seriously thinks he can take me, but he’s deluded. Danis is definitely running scared. If he wasn’t, then he would’ve signed a contract to fight me by now.”
Danis currently holds a 3-0 professional MMA record, competing in promotions like Bellator and Misfits. However, he is perhaps more widely known for a boxing exhibition against Logan Paul in 2023, which ended in a disqualification for Danis due to unsportsmanlike conduct. He is currently scheduled to compete in a wrestling match against former UFC Interim Welterweight Champion Colby Covington at RAF 07 later this month, according to available reports.
The potential matchup between Hall and Danis presents an intriguing clash of personalities and backgrounds. Hall’s transition from the world of strongman to MMA has been relatively swift, and his knockout victory over Pudzianowski demonstrated his raw power and ability to translate strength into striking. Danis, despite his limited MMA experience, has cultivated a reputation as a skilled grappler and a master of psychological warfare.
Hall’s ambitions extend beyond a single fight, as he hopes to continue building his MMA career with regular appearances in the cage. His rapid progression in the sport has surprised some observers, but Hall appears determined to prove himself as a legitimate contender. The strongman’s willingness to embrace new challenges underscores his competitive spirit and desire to test his limits.
As Hall prepares for his next fight, the MMA world will be watching to spot if he can live up to his bold claims and continue his ascent in the sport. The possibility of a showdown with Dillon Danis adds an extra layer of intrigue, given the animosity between the two fighters. The coming months promise to be an exciting period for Hall as he navigates the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
What comes next for Eddie Hall remains to be seen, but his stated goal of securing a high-profile fight in June suggests that negotiations are already underway. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to learn more about his upcoming opponent and the details of the bout as they grow available. Share your thoughts on a potential Hall vs. Danis matchup in the comments below.
