The former World’s Strongest Man has officially begun preparations for what could be one of the most intriguing matchups in combat sports history. Eddie Hall has kicked off his training camp ahead of a potential showdown with Dillon Danis under the Misfits MMA banner, marking what would be his first championship bout in mixed martial arts.
Fresh off a dominant performance against Mariusz Pudzianowski in April—where he secured victory in less than 30 seconds—Hall is now setting his sights on the American grappler who weighs a staggering 230 pounds less than him. The matchup presents a classic power-versus-technique narrative that has captured the imagination of combat sports fans worldwide.
According to Hall, the deal is already in place, though he faces a monumental task before stepping into the cage. The Stoke-born powerhouse plans to shed 64 pounds over a 12-week period to meet Danis’ weight requirement. The bout will adhere to standard MMA regulations, with officials yet to announce the specific date and venue.
Hall addressed the brewing anticipation on social media, acknowledging the contrasting opinions surrounding the matchup.
In an Instagram post featuring a teaser poster, he wrote: “Coming soon. Some say Dillon’s world class jiu-jitsu will be too much for me. Others say he’s never felt a real punch and I’ve got the hardest recorded punch on the planet. FACT.”
The potential clash gained significant momentum after Danis secured a quick submission victory at Misfits 22. Hall reportedly stormed the cage immediately following the win to accept the challenge face-to-face, creating an instant viral moment that set the stage for negotiations.
For his part, Danis isn’t taking the challenge lightly. The grappling specialist recognizes the unique difficulties posed by Hall’s extraordinary physique and raw power. Speaking candidly about the matchup, Danis acknowledged the unconventional nature of the test ahead.
“It would definitely be a big challenge, but I’m definitely up for it. He’s a big motherf*cker… His body type is actually tougher for grappling,” Danis explained during a podcast appearance. “It would be exciting to see if my jiu-jitsu works against someone that size in a real fight.”
The Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist elaborated on why Hall presents such a distinctive opponent. Grappling with someone of Hall’s substantial build—featuring short, powerful legs and an extremely stocky frame—creates scenarios rarely encountered in conventional MMA competition. Danis emphasized that applying traditional submission techniques against such a heavy, unconventional body type requires different strategies than what he typically employs.
Hall brings his own unique credentials to the table. The retired strongman has recorded one of the hardest punches ever measured in combat sports. Since transitioning away from strongman competition, Hall has explored various combat sports formats, including boxing exhibitions that have helped him develop his striking game.
The online community remains divided on how the bout will unfold. Many predict a swift submission victory for the decorated grappler, while others believe Hall’s overwhelming power advantage could lead to a knockout before Danis can implement his ground game.
If confirmed, the Hall versus Danis showdown is expected to headline a major UK arena event in early 2026 under the Misfits promotional banner.
