How Australia’s strongest man became Australia’s hardest puncher

Two years ago, Alex Simon was the third strongest man anywhere on the planet. He’s since transformed in to Australia’s hardest puncher and has set his sights on the UFC. WATCH our exclusive video.

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Two years ago, Alex Simon was the third strongest man anywhere on the planet.

But then, he stopped lifting.

Instead, started fighting.

And guess what?

“There’s nobody in Australia with his punching power now,” says famed Sydney striking coach Dave Millward. “Doing padwork with Alex, it’s like shock therapy.

“Incredible.

“Over the years, I’ve worked with guys like Solomon Haumono, John Hopoate, kickboxer Alex Watt … but this bloke is just on a completely different level again.

“His power, it’s incomparable.

“Abnormal.

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UFC heavyweight contender Alex Simon. Picture: Jonathan Ng

“I’ve been in boxing a long time now, spent 16 years in Corrective Services too, and I’ve never come across anyone with power like this.”

A converted powerlifter who was crowned Australia’s Strongest Man in 2017 – and also sat top three in the world — Simon is now looking to prove himself the strongest puncher not only Down Under, but in the entire UFC heavyweight division.

Currently, the rising MMA striker is undefeated in five fights, with all finishes via first round KO.

A strong CV sure, although slightly problematic when it comes to his push to join the UFC.

“Because we’ve got no fight footage to send them,” agent Titus Day concedes. “Of Alex’s five bouts, none have gone beyond 31 seconds.

“So right now, we’re struggling for fight footage, for opponents, even for sparring partners.

“We’ve heard that people are Googling his name, seeing even just the training footage available and saying ‘ah, no thanks’.

“But I understand … you’re talking about a guy with Mike Tyson power.”

After spending the past 19 months sidelined – thanks, in part, to tearing an arm tendon off the bone – Simon finally returns to action this Saturday night, when he headlines a Gladiators Fight Night at St Marys Band Club.

Privately, the 130kg striker is hopeful another highlight reel knockout, this time against a Queenslander named Jack Tuave, will earn him a UFC contract.

Quizzed on his famed KO power, the Sydneysider who once played juniors with the North Sydney Bears insists it comes largely from his previous life as a 180kg powerlifter.

Back when this now father-of-two would bench press 260kg, deadlift 400kg and squat a staggering 435kg.

“And continually doing those one repetition lifts as fast as I could,” he says, “that’s where the punch comes from.”

And as for how he would rate in the UFC?

Alex Simon hits the pads at Bulldog Gym in Castle Hill. Picture: Jonathan Ng

“Number one,” Simon adds emphatically. “I don’t believe there’s a fighter anywhere in that heavyweight division who could match it with me for power.

“But first, I have to get there.

“That’s why this weekend is so important.

“And I know a lot of people will be watching.

“Recently, I even had (UFC commentator) Joe Rogan reach out via Instagram after seeing a video of me on the heavy bag. He said my power was on another level and that he couldn’t wait to see me fight.

“But to get into that Octagon, yeah, this Saturday I need another big knockout.”

Originally published as How Australia’s strongest man became Australia’s hardest puncher