Adam Hagy-USA TODAY Sports
Former NFL star Greg Hardy is stepping up on short notice this weekend at UFC Fight Night 163 live on ESPN+ in Moscow, Russia, to fight heavyweight contender Alexander Volkov. It will be the biggest fight of Hardy’s professional MMA career and a true opportunity to prove his UFC worth.
Hardy, who made his Octagon debut back in January, is coming off a controversial performance at UFC on ESPN 6 last month when his decision win over Ben Sosoli was overturned after it was discovered Hardy illegally used an inhaler in between rounds (see it HERE).
The aftermath was not good for Hardy, who has been trying to shed his “bad guy” persona since his UFC arrival. Not only did Hardy have to endure countless tweets from some of MMA’s most recognizable names, but he also found himself in a feud with heavyweight knockout artist Derrick “Black Beast” Lewis.
Lewis, who already doesn’t like Hardy due to his past domestic violence accusations, now believes the former NFL player needs to get his ass out of UFC.
Heading into his massive co-main event clash with Volkov, Hardy set some time aside to address Lewis’ comments and assure fight fans he isn’t listening to the haters.
“I think he’s like a felon,” Hardy said of Lewis during a recent interview with RT Sports. “He’s been to prison. I just don’t think somebody that’s been to prison is allowed to say what the standard is… We don’t listen to people that contradict themselves.”
With little support from his peers, Hardy with travel to enemy territory and take on one of the most physically imposing fighters on the UFC roster on short notice. It’s a very dangerous fight for Hardy, who has never lost a contest inside of the cage other than disqualification, but it’s the best chance for him to prove his fighting skills are worthy of top 10 consideration.
If Hardy is able to come out of UFC Moscow alive a grudge match opposite “Black Beast” seems like the next logical move. But with all this talk about “Baddest Motherf—ker” belts and superfights, Hardy may have his mind set on something else.
“I think it would 100 percent be the most active heavyweight in UFC history [points at himself], and hmmm . . . BMF,” said Hardy. “We could bring out Brock Lesnar, maybe? No, no, no. For sure it would probably have to be Stipe.”
We’ll find out one way or another this weekend at UFC Moscow if “Prince of War” is finally ready for the big leagues.