Eddie Hall has confirmed that his highly anticipated MMA bout with Dillon Danis is likely scheduled for May, with contract signing expected to take place in February. The former World’s Strongest Man revealed extensive details about the matchup during a recent interview
Hall acknowledged that on the surface, the matchup appears drastically unfair. “Face value it seems very unfair,” he admitted, noting that Danis weighs 176 lbs (80 kg) while Hall currently sits at 364 lbs (165 kg). However, the reality is more nuanced than it appears.
Hall also said, ” I mean, if we were to get the deal done for February, it gives me just over 3 months. It’s going to be a hard process.”
“From what I gather, he walks around at close to 220 lbs (100 kg),” Hall explained. As part of the match stipulations, Hall must cut down to under 300 lbs (135 kg), meaning the actual weight difference come fight night will be approximately 77 lbs (35 kg).
“It’s still a lot, but it’s nowhere near 80 kilos (176 lbs),” Hall clarified. The weight cut represents a monumental challenge for the strongman, who confessed, “I haven’t weighed 300 lbs since I was 21.”
Hall outlined his aggressive approach to the cut: “I honestly don’t think there’s, if I were to be like zero percent body fat, I could probably lose 66 lbs (30 kg) and be zero percent body fat. That’s just unrealistic. So I’m going to have to lose muscle.”
The plan involves strict carnivore dieting, consuming only meat, eggs, and dairy, along with calorie restriction to drop approximately 2.2 lbs (1 kg) per week over the next three months.
Hall didn’t downplay the significant experience disadvantage he faces. “He is a professional fighter. He’s been doing it full time for his whole life. I’ve been doing it a year and a half,” he acknowledged candidly.
Although controversial, Danis is a jiu-jitsu champion who has won major titles and brings legitimate credentials to the matchup. Hall noted that while he possesses advantages in size and strength, Danis will benefit from favorable round times.
“Everything’s going to be in his favor. It’s going to be five-minute rounds,” Hall revealed. This represents a significant concession, as five-minute rounds will test Hall’s cardiovascular endurance, a known weakness for someone of his massive frame.
Hall explained the reasoning: “I’ll have to sort of give him every advantage because I’ve got the biggest advantage, which is size and strength. So he’s going to go for really long rounds and try and gas you out.”
Hall’s transition to MMA came after a series of unexpected events. Originally signed to a four-way elimination tournament against Brian Shaw, Mitchell Hooper, and Martin Ford, Hall committed six months to MMA training for what would have been a life-changing payday.
“My contract was for 20 million,” Hall disclosed. However, disaster struck when the Ministry of Sport in Qatar was arrested for fraud. “I never got a single penny. Six months of my life down the drain.”
Rather than abandon his newfound passion, Hall pivoted to find meaningful competition. His successful debut against Marius Pudzianowski, which ended in just 28 seconds, validated his decision to continue pursuing MMA despite the setback.
Despite the apparent mismatch, Hall believes several factors level the playing field. The significant weight cut, extended round times, and Danis’s professional experience create genuine challenges that make the outcome far from certain.
“At face value, it sounds like, oh, you’re going to mince him. But by the time you factor in the weight loss, his weight gain, the round times, obviously everything’s going to be in his favor,” Hall explained.
Hall maintains his characteristic confidence while acknowledging the risks: “That’s what makes it tough. That’s what makes it fun. That’s what makes it a challenge.”
With contract signing scheduled for February and the matchup targeted for May, Hall faces an intense three-month preparation period.
