It’s not an everyday spectacle to witness Strongman champions shift gears into the combative arena of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). However, the 2023 World’s Strongest Man, Mitchell Hooper, has charted a different course. In an audacious move, Hooper intends to straddle both the Strongman and MMA worlds simultaneously. This was unveiled in an in-depth YouTube video, where the monumental announcement of Eddie Hall as his debut opponent was made.
Hooper’s esteem for Hall isn’t a hidden facet; recent exchanges have seen him juxtapose his nascent Strongman trajectory with Hall’s illustrious peak, showering the 2017 World’s Strongest Man with accolades. Despite this camaraderie, when the cage door shuts behind them, all respect will be set aside in pursuit of MMA glory. Hooper’s comprehensive video bulletin delved deep, elucidating on fight rules, the chosen venue, and the date alongside reflections on his continuing Strongman journey.
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A Deep Dive into Hooper vs. Hall Showdown
Kicking off his video announcement, Mitchell Hooper built anticipation, teasing an unprecedented revelation that would catch his followers off-guard. Without belaboring, he transitioned into the core of his message: the specifics of his MMA foray against Eddie Hall. The clash promises to be an intersection of strength, strategy, and sheer will.
“I’ve always said that I am an athlete as much as I am a Strongman, I just happen to be really good at Strongman. I want to talk about, though, exactly what is going on and exactly what my plans are, because it is not what you think it is. So, on February 17th, at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar, I am going to be a part of an MMA tournament.”
The MMA Tournament Twist: Strongmen Take Over the Octagon
Mitchell Hooper’s revelations didn’t stop with the announcement of his face-off against Eddie Hall. In an unexpected twist, he disclosed that the bout is merely one segment of a larger tournament framework. This means that the victor of Hooper vs. Hall won’t have much time to bask in their win; they will be slated to step back into the octagon later the same evening, facing off against the winner of the event’s other headline duel.
The curiosity naturally arises: who would fill the slots of this second marquee fight? Enter Brian Shaw, the towering strongman titan. Fresh off his recent foray into MMA training, Shaw is slated to test his newfound skills in this tournament. Given Shaw’s colossal stature, matching him with an opponent of similar magnitude was essential. The answer to this quandary? The equally formidable Martyn Ford. With these match-ups set, the stage promises a collision of gargantuan proportions as these strongman behemoths venture into MMA territory.
“This is going to be a tournament where I fight Eddie, Brian fights Marty Ford, and the winners, same night, fight each other.”
Hooper’s Outlook on Facing Eddie Hall
While the match-ups alone guarantee a spectacular event, many are curious about Hooper’s perspective as he readies himself for the MMA arena, especially against someone as formidable as Eddie Hall. Hooper, candidly addressing this curiosity, showcased a balanced blend of confidence and humility. Acknowledging his novice status in the MMA world, he underlined his unwavering belief in his abilities. However, he is no stranger to the rigorous demands of elite competition, and he knows that translating his strongman success into MMA prowess will require intense dedication and relentless training. He’s ready for the challenge, but he’s under no illusion about the mountain he has to climb.
“It is something that I am going to have to pick up extremely quickly. Full disclosure, I have never fought before. So, you guys are going to have a lot of content with me trying to learn what to do from ground zero… Strongman has come really, really easy to me, and frankly, I’m not sure this stuff will.”
A Record-Breaking Prize Pool: The 2024 Finishers Championship
As if the star-studded line-up of these Strongman titans transitioning into MMA wasn’t attention-grabbing enough, Hooper dropped another bombshell about the event. The ‘2024 Finishers Championship’ will not just be another MMA event; it will have the distinction of offering the largest prize pool ever in the history of combat sports.
Setting the Ground Rules
Switching from Strongman to MMA is not just about changing the physical training regimen, but it also requires adapting to a whole new set of rules. Addressing this crucial aspect, Hooper detailed the specific regulations and stipulations that will govern their bouts in the octagon. While he didn’t go into exhaustive specifics, he made sure to clarify the parameters, ensuring transparency for both the competitors and eagerly-awaiting fans. The ruleset is designed to ensure a fair contest while also prioritizing the safety of these exceptional athletes.
“It is going to be the biggest payout for athletes in history. They want to beat the Pacquiao vs Mayweather fight. They’ve got four of us, four celebrities, and they’ve got 12 professional MMA (athletes). Separate tournaments on the same evening.
The rules of this fight, I think, are Bellator rules. I think we are allowed to drop each other on our head, I think we are allowed to kick each other in the head when we are on the ground. It is a little bit more dangerous, but it is called ‘The Finishers Championship’ and the goal is really to knock each other out.
So, three two-minute rounds, and you are going to fight twice if you win the first round (match).”
Analyzing the Competition: Hall vs. Bjornsson
Always the strategist, Mitchell Hooper didn’t waste any time in studying his soon-to-be opponent, Eddie Hall. Using Hall’s boxing bout against Hafthor Bjornsson as a point of reference, Hooper critically assessed the performance. While acknowledging the intense rivalry and the spectacle of the match, Hooper was candid in his observations. He felt that the boxing showdown didn’t showcase the best of Hall, suggesting that there’s a potential in Hall that hasn’t been fully tapped into yet. This insight not only highlights Hooper’s respect for Hall but also hints at his meticulous approach to preparation, suggesting fans are in for a fiercely competitive bout.
“I have watched Eddie and Thor’s fight, and I think that it was probably not his best attempt at fighting. I think he is much more capable than that. Really, in one like this, it’s basically that if you are tagged by anyone of our size and our strength, you are probably going to be done.”
Duality of Strength: Hooper’s Continued Commitment to Strongman
Amid the rising crescendo of Mitchell Hooper’s MMA announcements, there’s a distinct undertone that resonates deeply with his core fanbase: his undiminished ardor for Strongman competitions. Hooper, in his articulate manner, assuages concerns about sidelining his primary passion. He reiterates his robust plans to mark his presence in the prominent Strongman events next year. This ambition speaks of a demanding duality, but if there’s a name synonymous with such multifaceted commitment in the world of sports today, it’s undeniably Mitchell Hooper.
“I am not going to do the thing where I have made my name in Strongman and got out as quickly as possible… My plan is to fight on February 17th. I am going to prepare to be in Arnold, Arnold UK, and World’s Strongest Man. Whether I will be at 100% capacity for those shows is yet to be determined.
When I go into the fight, one of my big goals will be to be strong and to be really well conditioned… I think I can go into Arnold, Arnold UK, and WSM and still contend for the title.”
Multifaceted Athleticism: Hooper’s Impressive Streak Continues
In the landscape of Strongman, few names have risen as meteorically as Mitchell Hooper over the past eighteen months. With the accolades of World’s Strongest Man and Arnold Strongman Classic under his belt, coupled with gold from three additional competitions, Hooper’s dedication and prowess are unmistakable. An enviable record, his streak of 11 uninterrupted podium finishes stands as testimony to his consistent excellence.
Yet, Strongman is but one facet of Hooper’s versatile athletic journey. His short yet impactful forays into powerlifting, bodybuilding, and even marathon running underscore a breadth of capability that few can match. Given this background, his forthcoming MMA duel with Eddie Hall is tinged with palpable anticipation. While the outcome remains in the realm of speculation, the stakes couldn’t be higher, especially with a staggering prize pool of $300 million on the line for the ‘2024 Finishers Championship’.
Watch a Mitchell Vs Hall Video Below:
Overview
2023’s World’s Strongest Man, Mitchell Hooper, has announced a daring venture into MMA, with Eddie Hall as his first opponent. This unconventional move was unveiled via a YouTube video. While both competitors share mutual respect, stemming from their Strongman roots, their upcoming bout promises to be an intense clash of titans. Hooper’s pivot doesn’t signal a departure from Strongman; he remains committed to future competitions. The bout is part of a bigger ‘2024 Finishers Championship’ with a whopping $300 million prize pool.
Featured Image @mitchellhooper (Instagram)