From Deadlift Dominance to Cage Combat: Eddie Hall and the Journey from Strongman to MMA Fighter
Eddie Hall, the British powerhouse known as “The Beast,” has captivated audiences worldwide with his superhuman feats of strength and his bold career pivots. Born on January 15, 1988, in Newcastle-under-Lyme, England, Hall’s path to fame began not in the weight room, but in the swimming pool, where he competed as a national-level champion during his teenage years. By age 16, he transitioned to bodybuilding, and at 20, he dove into the world of strongman competitions, quickly rising through the ranks.
Hall’s strongman career was nothing short of legendary. He claimed his first major title in 2010 as England’s Strongest Man and went on to amass 13 titles across the sport’s most prestigious events, solidifying his status as the UK’s most decorated strongman. His crowning achievement came in 2017 when he won the World’s Strongest Man competition, a title that cemented his place in history. But it was his record-breaking deadlift that truly etched his name in the annals of strength sports: in 2016, Hall became the first person to deadlift 500 kilograms (1,102 pounds) under strongman rules, a feat that pushed the boundaries of human capability.
Despite these triumphs, Hall retired from strongman in 2017, citing health concerns and a desire to focus on family and business ventures. In a recent interview, he revealed that a doctor’s warning played a key role in his decision to step away, emphasizing the toll the sport had taken on his body. Post-retirement, Hall built a successful portfolio, including his premium sports nutrition brand, Beast Pharm Ltd. However, the competitive fire never fully extinguished, leading him to explore new arenas—literally.
In 2020, Hall announced his transition to combat sports, starting with professional boxing. This move was fueled by a high-profile rivalry with fellow strongman Hafþór Björnsson, known as “The Mountain” from Game of Thrones. The feud, sparked by disputes over strongman records, culminated in what was billed as the “Heaviest Boxing Match in History” on March 19, 2022, in Dubai. Despite Hall’s impressive preparation, which included shedding significant weight to improve his agility, Björnsson emerged victorious by unanimous decision, with judges scoring the six-round bout 57-54. Hall suffered cuts above both eyes but showed resilience, knocking down his opponent in the second round.
Undeterred by the loss, Hall shifted his focus to mixed martial arts (MMA), a discipline that promised to blend his raw power with newfound striking and grappling skills. After years of training—including over a decade in boxing fundamentals and three years dedicated to MMA—Hall made his professional debut on April 26, 2025, at KSW 105 in Poland. Facing another strongman legend, five-time World’s Strongest Man winner Mariusz Pudzianowski, Hall delivered a stunning performance. Weighing in at 334 pounds, he knocked out Pudzianowski in just 30 seconds with a barrage of punches, earning a TKO victory and improving his MMA record to 1-0.
The debut sparked debates in the combat sports community, with some questioning whether Hall’s success proved that sheer strength could overcome technical expertise. Hall’s transformation was physical as well; he underwent a staggering body recomposition, dropping weight while maintaining his imposing frame to adapt to the demands of MMA.
As of October 2025, Hall’s MMA journey continues to evolve. He recently confirmed his next fight against controversial grappler Dillon Danis, who holds a 3-0 record after a recent win. The matchup is intriguing, as Danis is reportedly 230 pounds lighter than Hall, prompting the strongman to pledge a drastic 64-pound weight cut to 300 pounds for the bout. This fight could further test Hall’s adaptability and potentially position him as a title contender in the heavyweight division.
Eddie Hall’s story is one of reinvention, from shattering lifting records to trading blows in the ring and cage. As a father, entrepreneur, and now MMA fighter, he embodies the relentless pursuit of new challenges. Whether dominating strongman events or stepping into combat sports, “The Beast” continues to inspire with his unyielding determination.
