Eddie Hall, widely known as `The Beast` from his dominant career in strongman competition, recently stepped into the world of professional mixed martial arts, making a debut that immediately captivated combat sports enthusiasts and sparked considerable speculation regarding his next move.
Hall, who earned the title of World`s Strongest Man in 2017, entered the cage at KSW 105 and delivered a performance that was as swift as it was conclusive. His opponent was Mariusz Pudzianowski, a formidable figure himself, boasting five World`s Strongest Man titles and an extensive background as an MMA veteran with 28 professional fights. Despite Pudzianowski`s experience, Hall secured a knockout victory in a mere 30 seconds. This stunning outcome thrust Hall into the spotlight as a potential force in combat sports, leading to immediate discussions about future opponents, including a potential rematch or ambitious crossover bouts against established names like Francis Ngannou.
However, while the community debated Hall`s potential next high-profile adversary, an entirely unexpected challenger emerged from a different generation and a different discipline: boxing icon Eric Esch, universally recognized by his ring name, Butterbean.
Butterbean Throws Down the Gauntlet
At 58 years old, Butterbean has publicly announced his intentions for a return to combat sports in 2025. His declared list of potential opponents is notably ambitious, featuring contemporary high-profile figures such as Jake Paul and even the legendary Mike Tyson. Yet, Butterbean is also clearly keeping a close eye on the evolving landscape of strongmen transitioning into fighting.
Butterbean has a personal history with Mariusz Pudzianowski, having previously faced and lost to him in an MMA contest approximately 15 years ago. Now, following Pudzianowski`s recent defeat by Hall, Butterbean has expressed keen interest in either pursuing a rematch with the Polish strongman or, perhaps more notably, engaging in a confrontation with Eddie Hall himself.
Crucially, Butterbean`s challenge comes with a significant and non-negotiable stipulation: he is exclusively interested in a boxing match. He explicitly ruled out the possibility of returning to mixed martial arts competition, citing substantial health considerations. Butterbean disclosed that he has undergone double hip replacement surgery, a medical condition that renders him unable to physically compete in the dynamic and demanding environment of MMA. “With my new hips, I can`t fight UFC,” he stated, underscoring the specific physical limitations imposed by his recovery, distinct from any weight class restrictions he might have faced previously.
This particular condition introduces an intriguing complexity for Eddie Hall. While his recent, albeit brief, foray into MMA showcased impressive raw power and finishing ability, Hall`s only prior professional boxing match, which took place against fellow strongman Hafthor Bjornsson in 2022, resulted in a loss.
The prospect of Eddie Hall returning to the boxing ring to face a seasoned veteran boxer who is nearly two decades his senior, yet openly dealing with publicly acknowledged physical limitations, presents a truly peculiar turn of events. It prompts the question throughout the combat sports world: Will `The Beast` opt to exchange the familiar confines of the cage for the squared circle to meet this unique challenge from the man now equipped with “new hips”? The unconventional nature of the call-out perfectly reflects the often-unpredictable landscape of modern combat sports spectacles.
