UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall may still be waiting for his unification bout, but he’s undoubtedly reveling in the incredible achievement of his close friend and sparring partner, the retired strongman Eddie Hall. Today, the 2017 World’s Strongest Man made a remarkable debut in MMA at KSW 105 in Gliwice, Poland, where he faced former 5-time World’s Strongest Man Mariusz Pudzianowski. In what can only be described as one of the most jaw-dropping upsets in MMA history, Hall triumphed, leaving fans and analysts alike stunned.

Despite Pudzianowski’s extensive experience, having fought 28 times as a professional, ‘The Beast’ was the underdog. His combat sports resume includes just two notable events—an exhibition boxing match against Hafthor Bjornsson and a bizarre 2 vs. 1 freak contest against the Nefati brothers. Yet Eddie Hall defied all expectations, knocking out the 16-year veteran in an incredible 30 seconds with a brutal right hand.

The victory sent shockwaves through the MMA community. The Brit, who has trained alongside Eddie Hall, was full of praise for the former strongman’s transition to MMA. On his Instagram story, Tom Aspinall shared a clip from the explosive fight, writing, “Go on big,” in an enthusiastic show of support for his fellow Englishman.

This victory, however, is not just about the fight itself; it also highlights Eddie Hall’s dedication and the crucial role his training with Tom Aspinall played in his success. Earlier this month, ‘The Beast’ revealed in an interview with Ariel Helwani that he and the Englishman trained together “once a week.” Reflecting on their training sessions, Hall described them as “very humbling,” adding that he was taken aback by the interim champ’s superior skills: “You think you can fight, and then you get in the ring with someone like Tom Aspinall, and he just plays with you. He can literally throw you around and land jabs in your face like you’re a little kid in a schoolyard. So yeah, it’s very humbling.”

Despite being more powerful than Aspinall, Hall openly admitted that he would never expect to beat the Englishman in a fight, fully recognizing his sparring partner’s immense skill inside the cage. Indeed, ‘The Beast’s respect for the interim champ’s fighting abilities is clear. Let’s now hear more from Eddie Hall himself, as he opens up further on his MMA journey and his relationship with Aspinall.

Eddie Hall revealed how “tough” Tom Aspinall is

Eddie Hall’s knockout of Mariusz Pudzianowski tonight echoed the explosive finishes that have become Aspinall’s trademark in his 9 Octagon appearances. Known for his lightning-fast and brutal knockouts, the Brit has made his mark by ending fights in the early rounds, with his most impressive knockout occurring at just 45 seconds into the first round. This knockout power, combined with his agility and speed—traits more typical of a flyweight—has helped Aspinall build a reputation as the complete package in the heavyweight division.

The UFC heavyweight’s dominant style hasn’t gone unnoticed, even by heavyweight champion Jon Jones, who has essentially remained undefeated throughout his career. Fans are eagerly awaiting the potential unification bout between Jones and Aspinall, as many wonder if Jones might retire before facing the rising star.

In a conversation with Ariel Helwani last month, Eddie Hall spoke about his experience training with Tom Aspinall. He said, “At the end of the day, strength is a big part of the battle in MMA. But facing someone like Tom Aspinall, he’s proven that strength doesn’t mean everything. But Tom is incredibly strong—people wouldn’t believe how strong he is. He’s a tough opponent.”

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What are your thoughts on Eddie Hall’s comments? If Jon Jones were to face Tom Aspinall in the Octagon, do you think Jones would walk away with the victory, or could the rising star prove too much for the veteran? Share your opinion below.