The former NFL defensive end had a debut disaster in the UFC. Greg Hardy (3-1) is a 6’4″ heavyweight, gifted a co-main event slot in his UFC debut against Allen Crowder. The fight ended in controversial fashion as Hardy threw an illegal knee at his downed opponent, causing a DQ call from referee Dan Miragliotta.
Not again…
After losing his UFC debut, throwing illegal shots, and being roundly criticized by the MMA community, Greg Hardy has still come up smelling of roses. The UFC and ESPN clearly see potential as they have once again put Hardy in the co-main event of a stacked card in Ft. Lauderdale. He faces Dmitry Smolyakov (9-2 MMA 0-2 UFC) just prior to the night’s main attraction at UFC on ESPN 3. The Russian has never gone the distance, promising for an exciting fight this weekend.
Silence the haters.
In defense of Greg Hardy, he is simply and up-and-coming fighter taking advantage of the opportunities presented too him. What type of fighter would he be to turn down things most can only dream of?
Another co-main event slot after messing up your first one, he’s luckier than most. Now is his time to prove himself, a win against Dmitry Smolyakov certainly shows he belongs and silences many haters who don’t believe he’s cut out for this level.
In his brief time in fighting, he’s showed he’s got some power and is obviously athletically gifted. It’s the heavyweight division where one punch can end the fight. Despite skill and experience disadvantages, Hardy enters the fight as the bookmaker’s favourite and will need to come out victorious to continue his UFC stint.
The pressure is well and truly on for Hardy as his UFC career may well be on the line for this one.
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