A strange 2-on-1 fight featuring Eddie Hall produced one of the most talked-about knockouts of 2024. However, it almost didn`t happen without the referee stepping in.
In June of last year, the 2017 World`s Strongest Man achieved a knockout victory over the Neffati Brothers, two internet personalities who were significantly lighter than Hall. This event was part of the World Freak Fight League, and the brothers appeared to have a strategy.
For the first two rounds, they avoided direct engagement, using occasional leg kicks and retreating to score points. But the referee intervened, telling all three fighters that more action was needed in the final moments. This intervention led to both brothers being seriously hurt.
Referee`s Five-Word Message to Eddie Hall in 2v1 Fight
Eddie Hall`s entry into MMA occurred last summer after a planned strongman tournament in Qatar was cancelled. He decided to use his training in a 2v1 “freak fight” against the Neffati Brothers, who compete in a much lighter weight class.
Hall`s knockout of both brothers became a viral sensation, overshadowing what was otherwise a lackluster event. The brothers primarily tried to keep their distance from the strongman, and were leading in points until the final seconds.
“It was the final round, with only 30 seconds remaining,” Hall recounted in an interview. “After the second round, the referee approached us and said, ‘We need some f***ing action’.”
“In those last few seconds, they decided to attack, and it was perfect timing. I grabbed them, threw them around – you can train for years for just a few seconds of intense action, and that’s exactly what it was.”
“They were ahead on points going into the third round because they were landing leg kicks and then running away. If the fight had gone to the scorecards, they would have definitely won on points, which was frustrating for me.”
“Obviously, they were much smaller, two 65kg guys, and losing to them would have been embarrassing. So, it was crucial that the action happened at the very end; it saved everything.”
Eddie Hall to Face Mariusz Pudzianowski
Following his fight in Blackburn, Eddie Hall has been pursuing a match against Mariusz Pudzianowski, another former World`s Strongest Man. This fight is scheduled for KSW 105 in Gliwice, Poland.
These two super-heavyweights hold six WSM titles combined, with Pudzianowski winning five before transitioning to MMA. They will compete in a pay-per-view event, with two four-minute rounds.
“I am strong, and I believe that strength is a significant advantage in MMA,” Hall stated. “Mariusz demonstrated this when he entered MMA at around 140kg; his size and strength intimidated opponents.”
“I`ve never heard a fighter say they wished they were weaker for a fight. As long as you are fit, being as strong as possible is always beneficial.”
