Mariusz Pudzianowski bounced back from the first loss of his MMA career in emphatic fashion.
The five-time World’s Strongest Man tapped to strikes when he fought former UFC heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia as a 2-0 MMA newbie in May 2010.
A few months later, Mariusz Pudzianowski squared off against boxing legend Butterbean – real name Eric Esch -, who was 23 fights into his MMA run, which included a 43-second win KO against the 6ft 5in ‘Colossus’ that beat UFC legend Dan Severn.
However, he was no match for ‘Dominator’ when they met KSW 14: Judgment Day in September 2010.
Mariusz Pudzianowski battered Butterbean into submission
Butterbean dismissed his former strongman opponent in the lead up to their fight in Lodz, Poland.
“Mariusz Pudzianowski hits like a girl,” he said. “Mariusz must be crazy to have challenged me. I’ve knocked people out all over the world, be it in Australia, China, Korea, England, or anywhere else. Mario, be prepared.”
The super heavyweight knockout artist was made to pay for his pre-fight trash talk almost immediately.
Pudzianowski quickly took his opponent down to the floor and pummelled him until he tapped out after 75 seconds.
“I never said he fought like a girl. I said he hit like a girl,” Butterbean clarified post-fight.
“His takedown was good. I can’t complain. He won.”
What’s next for Mariusz Pudzianowski?
Butterbean brought his MMA career to an end in 2011 after suffering a head kick KO loss to taekwondo instructor who later became politician.
15 years after facing Esch, Pudzianowski is gearing up for a fight with a fellow World’s Strongest Man.
The 48-year-old recently shared an awkward first run-in with Eddie Hall ahead of their clash in Gliwice, Poland, on April 26.
Pudzianowski hasn’t fought since suffering a shock stoppage loss against former heavyweight boxer Artur Szpilka, who is famous for a bad knockout loss against Deontay Wilder in 2016.
In contrast, Eddie Hall will be making his official MMA debut when they clash on Saturday night.
‘The Beast’ originally called to face Pudzianowski after winning a bizarre 2vs1 bout last June.
Now they are just days away from meeting in a fight billed as the ‘strongest’ in MMA history.
