The UFC kept trying to make Greg Hardy happen, giving him Dmitrii Smoliakov tonight (Saturday, April 27, 2019) from inside the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida, live only via the ESPN+ streaming service. The infamous former footballer, allegedly a domestic abuser, was, for whatever reason, given a co-main event opposite a regional-level heavyweight, despite his lackluster DQ loss in his first UFC bout.
The fight began. Hardy stalked, jabbed at Smoliakov. Smoliakov evaded and circled, tried a takedown from way too far out that failed. Smoliakov landed a big right hand, which Greg Hardy tried to counter. Hardy was noticeably faster than Dmitrii. Hardy threw up a head kick. He darted in with a right hand, and Smoliakov went down, with Hardy standing over him raining down hammerfists until the referee had seen enough. Hardy jumped on the cage, to more boos than cheers. Very little fight put up by Smoliakov, who folded under the slightest pressure.
Afterwards, Hardy thanked Florida and American Top Team, saying that this time he listened to his coaches.
Results: Greg Hardy def. Dmitrii Smoliakov via TKO at 2:15 of Round 1
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