Former NFL player Greg Hardy was awarded a UFC contract after his first round KO on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series. The controversial move looks to be a public relations issue due to Hardy’s past regarding domestic violence.
Hardy took out another former NFL player, Austen Lane. The 29-year-old former Pro-Bowler will now have a chance to compete in the UFC Heavyweight division.
White indicated that Hardy’s deal may include fights outside the UFC banner prior to an official debut.
Payout Perspective:
Hardy is an elite athlete and is likely more athletic than most of the Heavyweights in the UFC division. He still is raw but has potential in the sport. His controversial past, including an arrest on assault of his ex-girlfriend will carry with him when he debuts. It will also cause many advocacy groups to protest his signing. The graphic photos showing his former girlfriend with bruises from Hardy caused outrage and he was ex-communicated from the NFL. Hardy was arrested and convicted but the charges were overturned on appeal and his record was expunged. The UFC is giving him a second chance because he has the chance to re-ignite an aging Heavyweight division. His performance Tuesday night proved the point. Yet, the UFC will have to address a public relations storm waiting for it.
Leave a Reply