Former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Greg Hardy has opted to leave professional football and train to be an MMA fighter.
According to a report by MMAFighting, Hardy has been working out in the Dallas-Fort Worth area for several months. He was arrested last month on a cocaine possession charge in Dallas.
During his NFL career, Hardy also played for the Carolina Panthers. He was suspended in 2014 and ’15 due to off-the-field issues, including a domestic violence charge.
“I’m very focused and excited to start my MMA career,” Hardy said. “I’m going to do this the right way, I can assure you of that.
“I’m fully committed to being as successful as I can be in this sport.”
He is expected to compete in the heavyweight division when he debuts, likely sometime in 2017.