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Greg Hardy’s combat sports saga added another chapter on Friday, which he’d probably rather forget. The former NFL All-Pro and UFC heavyweight stepped into the boxing ring at the Megasport Sport Palace in Moscow, taking on Russian powerhouse Alexei Papin. Hardy, who entered the bout with an undefeated boxing record, soon found himself on the receiving end of a brutal lesson in the sweet science.
The fight reached its crescendo in the third round. Papin, a seasoned boxer and kickboxer, unleashed a flurry of punches that overwhelmed Hardy. It all culminated in a devastating left hook that sent Hardy crashing to the canvas in what could only be described as a cartoonish fashion. The knockout left fans buzzing and cemented Papin’s dominance in the bout.
Hardy’s journey through combat sports has been anything but ordinary. After a controversial stint in the NFL, he transitioned to MMA, starting his professional career on Dana White’s Contender Series. Hardy later joined the UFC, putting together a 4-5 record with one no-contest. His time in the octagon ended in 2022 after a three-fight losing streak, leading the UFC to part ways with him.
Since leaving the UFC, Hardy has explored various combat sports, including bare-knuckle and professional boxing. Most recently, he signed with the new MMA promotion Global Fight League, signaling his intention to remain active in the fight world. However, Friday’s knockout showcased the risks of such an unconventional career path.
What’s next for Hardy? That remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—his combat sports journey continues to keep audiences talking, for better or worse.