Former world’s Strongest Man winner Eddie Hall is preparing to venture into mixed martial arts. After his stint as a boxer, the former strongman is training for an MMA tournament. However, it hasn’t necessarily been going well. In his latest training video, the massive 361 lbs strongman was seen getting knocked down while sparring with a 6’9 professional MMA fighter.

35-year-old Eddie Hall is chronicling his journey leading up to the upcoming fight in February. The bodybuilding enthusiast’s training sessions have become increasingly challenging as he’ll step inside the octagon in five weeks. After his loss against strongman rival Hafthor Bjornsson in a boxing match in 2022, Hall is going all out for the upcoming fight in Qatar. 

The strongman gets humbled

Eddie Hall has been training for four months and is doing so with some of the best mixed martial artists on the planet. Hall’s latest video featured Interim UFC Heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall. While Aspinall didn’t spar with Hall, the strongman had his hands full with other pro fighters. The 35-year-old faced off against many opponents, but his toughest sparing partner for the day was a 6’9 Russian.

Hall claimed his “stand up,” or ability to fight on his feet, has gotten better than in his boxing days. Yet, the Russain humbled Hall. While sparring with the taller opponent, Hall tried to test his reach with jabs. The strongman tilted his head to the right and didn’t put up his arm to defend it, giving his opponent an opening. The Russian threw a kick, which knocked down the 361 lbs man.

Yet, The Beast got back on his feet almost as soon as he hit the canvas. The Russian didn’t follow up with strikes as it was a friendly sparring session. However, Hall would be in trouble if it happened during the fight. Something similar transpired during his boxing bout with Bjornsson.

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The fans showed respect because Hall showcased humility by uploading the clip of himself getting knocked down. But the former WSM will be at a similar disadvantage against two of his three opponents.

A thought set of opponents

Out of his three opponents, The Beast stacks up well against the reigning world’s Strongest man, Mitchell Hooper. Hooper is also 6’2 and weighs around the same. However, his other opponents, Brian Shaw and Martyn Ford, are giants. Hall’s strongman bestie, Brian Shaw, stands at 6’9 and weighs 400 lbs. Meanwhile, Ford stands at 6’8.

Hence, the 35-year-old will have a height and reach disadvantage against Martyn Ford. However, on paper, Brian Shaw will have the advantage in height, reach, and weight. This is why the strongman champion is training with various pro-MMA fighters so he can close the gap with his skills.

Read More | WATCH: World’s Strongest Man Eddie Hall Features in a World-Class Discus Throw; Hints at a Possible Sport Participation

While Eddie Hall got knocked down, he stood up almost immediately, which is a testament to his durability. How do you think he’ll drain in February? Tell us in the comments.