Former Pro Bowl defensive end Greg Hardy made a big statement during his successful transition from the gridiron to the Octagon.
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Hardy defeated Ryan Chester in 14.53 seconds at Legacy Fighting Alliance 33 in Dallas to extend his MMA record to 3-0.
Here's the fight in its entirety:
The entire Greg Hardy fight in Deep Ellum tonight. (via @axs) @NBCDFW pic.twitter.com/5Wy1Hju4k6
— Pat Doney (@PatDoneyNBC5) February 17, 2018
"It's a rush," Hardy told the Dallas Morning News after the fight. "There is nothing like it. Nothing like a knockout. One of the most incredible feelings I ever had. Every second (of training) is worth it. I wish I could do more."
Hardy hasn't played in the NFL since being cut by the Dallas Cowboys in 2015 after several notable incidents, including a well-documented expunged domestic abuse charge, which was overlooked by when the franchise signed the former Pro Bowler in free agency and drew heavy criticism.
The former Ole Miss standout also had a slew of inappropriate tweets, frequent tardiness and was considered a bad influence on younger teammates prior to his demise in Dallas and subsequent blackballing from the league months later.
However, there's no doubting that Hardy made an impressive early start to his amateur MMA career, winning his first three fights in 32, 96 and 14 seconds, respectively.
This article was originally published February 17, 2018. Since turning pro, Hardy put together a 6-2-1 record, most recently defeating Yorgan De Castro by unanimous decision at UFC 249 in May 2020.
