Former NFL defensive end Greg Hardy gets bizarre win in second amateur MMA bout

The notorious former Dallas Cowboys player has become something of a high profile MMA prospect, as he makes his way through the amateur fight circuit.

Former NFL player Greg Hardy has become an odd entry into the MMA world, since announcing his plans to cross over to combat sports in 2016. Last month, he had his first amateur bout after training for some time at American Top Team in Florida. The fight that lasted less than a minute and notched him a finish via strikes.

Hardy had a message for UFC president Dana White, telling him to “keep an eye“ on his progression and promising to make major waves as he set his sights on the UFC. Less than a month after his amateur debut, Hardy had his second fight in Bossier City, LA.

It’s a strange one, folks.

The American Kombat Alliance staged its Rite of Passage 2 event this past weekend. The card was headlined by the former NFL talent, taking on Mississippian Kenneth Woods. And the bout (contested at the super heavyweight class) is definitely an attention grabber, albeit for the wrong reasons.

In the video (courtesy of Bleacher Report’s Brian Oswald), Woods spent more time weaving, bobbing and running than actually attempting to fight back (video link here if unavailable on page).

Once Woods was pressed against the cage, he blocked a headkick that still sent him to the ground. The followup shots by Hardy sealed the deal to end the fight at 1:36 of the first round, leading to very visible frustration by Woods. It should be noted that Woods was making amateur his debut at this time.

None of this is to disparage Woods, of course. Hardy is an imposing figure and a world-class athlete in his own right, so fighting him is a tall order, especially for a questionably trained amateur. Nor is it Hardy’s fault his opponent had very little to fire back with and folded under pressure. No matter the circumstances, however, it’s not exactly something that helps a fighter’s resume unless you’re only looking at the results on paper.

Still, Woods will live to fight another day, and Hardy continues to roll along in pursuit of a spot in the ‘NFL of combat sports.’ For his part, Dana White apparently hasn’t closed the door on him joining the UFC, if the opportunity presents itself.

The UFC has faced scrutiny in the past for their courting of athletes with a history of violence outside the cage, which may be a major roadblock to Hardy (considering the intense nature of the incidents that led his ousting from the NFL). However, for better or worse the promotion has often been willing to give fighters with intensely troubling pasts spots on their roster.

For now, Hardy has to turn pro and face more established competition before any talk of him as a potential big league talent gains traction. As a high profile athlete, it won’t just be White keeping an eye on him.