Eddie Hall’s much-anticipated MMA debut took a bizarre turn on Friday night, but the outcome remained the same – victory for “The Beast.”
The former World’s Strongest Man faced off against social media stars Jamil and Jamel Neffati, better known as the Neffati Brothers, in a handicap match at the World Freak Fight League event.
The Polish-born twins boasted a significant advantage in numbers, but Hall, tipping the scales at a staggering 26.2 stone (368 lbs), held a massive weight advantage. Their combined weight paled in comparison at 20.7 stone (290 lbs).
The opening rounds were a cautious dance. The Neffati Brothers, clearly aware of Hall’s power, opted for a hit-and-run strategy, circling the massive strongman and refusing to engage. The crowd’s frustration grew with each passing minute, culminating in Hall’s mid-fight roar urging the brothers to “Just f***ing do something.”
The third round, however, delivered the carnage the audience craved. The Neffati Brothers finally went on the offensive, but their attempt proved a grave miscalculation. Hall effortlessly picked up one brother and executed a thunderous suplex, leaving him unconscious on the canvas.
With his brother incapacitated, the remaining Neffati attempted to wrestle Hall, but a single devastating punch sent him reeling. The referee quickly intervened and declared Hall the winner after the other brother was escorted out of the cage for medical attention.
“It must have been a good punch,” a dazed but vocal Neffati brother said after regaining his senses. “I can’t remember anything!”
Hall, who has been training for an MMA debut for some time, originally planned to fight fellow strongman Mitchell Hooper. However, that fight fell through, leaving him to headline this unconventional event. Whether this is a one-off like his boxing match against Hafthor Björnsson or the start of a full-fledged MMA career remains to be seen.
“Training has been brutal,” Hall admitted before the fight. “Double the cardio, two eyes to watch, and four fists to worry about. The hardest part? Finding opponents. My son is bigger than both of them combined!”
While the fight itself may not be considered traditional MMA, Hall’s dominant performance showcased his raw power and resilience. Whether he pursues a full-time career in the octagon is a question only time will answer.
