The domestic abuse charges that (eventually) led to him losing a spot in the NFL won’t prevent former defensive end Greg Hardy from going pro in the UFC.
Hardy, who had domestic violence charges against him dismissed after he was found guilty on two counts, had his first professional MMA fight against former NFL player Austen Lane during Week 1 of UFC president Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series.
It didn’t take long for Hardy to take care of Lane as he was able to knock him out 57 seconds into the first round of the bout.
Greg Hardy gets it done 0:57 Knockout #DWNTCS #UFC pic.twitter.com/PmxxWyAR0z
— Joe p (@Joey_Purg) June 13, 2018
Following the win, White confirmed that Hardy, who had previously fought in amateur MMA bouts, would be joining the UFC and will be a fixture in the league’s heavyweight division going forward.
“It’s awesome news,” Hardy said afterward. “I get an opportunity to show what I’ve got, go back and work hard and come back even better than before. It’s exciting. It’s everything I could ask for. I just want to get back in the ring. Whatever show it is, I just want another opportunity to fight. Man, I’m having the time of my life and really enjoying it.”
The move was met with at least some criticism.
Dana White in 2014: “There’s one thing that you never bounce back from, and that’s putting your hands on a woman.” Dana White right about now: “I didn’t mean that, Greg Hardy. Welcome to the UFC.”
— Jeff Wagenheim (@jeffwagenheim) June 13, 2018
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