DALLAS — Greg Hardy, a 29-year-old former Dallas rush end, is back on the scene. Not in the NFL, though.
In the Mixed Martial Arts world.
Hardy claimed a third amateur victory against Sulphur Springs native Ryan Chester on Friday night at Legacy Fighting Alliance 33 at Dallas’ The Bomb Factory.
The fight lasted 14.53 after the 6-foot-4 brawler landed a blow, toppled Chester to the mat, and forced a referee stoppage. Hardy’s knockout in Deep Ellum also kept him undefeated.
The entire Greg Hardy fight in Deep Ellum tonight. (via @axs) @NBCDFW pic.twitter.com/5Wy1Hju4k6
— Pat Doney (@PatDoneyNBC5) February 17, 2018
“I”m trying to take my time,” Hardy said to NBC Sports after the fight. “I’m going to leave it to my coaches . . . I’m going to leave it in their hands and let them make the decision.”
Hardy had no prior combat sports experience before joining the LFA. He is now 3-0 as an amateur fighter and won fights in 32, 96 and 14 seconds but has collected no winnings because amateurs make no money. He most recently made headlines in 2014 after in-season domestic violence allegations.
The Carolina Panthers initially decided to support the former defensive end, but later released him. The Dallas Cowboys acquired Hardy on March 18, 2015 via free agency and a one-year, $11.3 million contract. Less than a month later he was suspended for 10 games — later reduced to four — for violations to the NFL Personal Conduct Policy.
Dallas did not resign him after the season. Hardy signed with the Richmond Roughriders of the American Arena League in January.
According to BloodyElbow.com, the sport has had positives outside of an unblemished record.
“It was exactly what it was supposed to be for me,” Hardy said. “It was a time for me to rebuild my life, organize everything, put together a plan, and the plan worked. [I] walked into a sport, put everything into it, learned to be humble, and came out on the other side.
“I’m better as a person, I’m doing better holistically as a human being. Personally, I’m feeling better. It’s going great. I’m enjoying myself and I’m happy to be here.”
