Troubled former NFL Pro Bowler Greg Hardy will make his Octagon debut against Allen Crowder at UFC Fight Night 143 in Brooklyn. ESPN.com was first to report the heavyweight matchup.
Hardy has been a controversial figure since the UFC signed him to appear on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series this summer. The UFC president defended the decision by pointing out that Hardy had gone through the entire legal process and deserved a second chance.
Hardy has since gone 3-0 in his professional career, defeating each of his opponents by KO/TKO inside of a minute. He initially signed a developmental deal with the UFC following his first Contender Series victory. Hardy also went 3-0 as an amateur.
Crowder represents a step up in competition for Hardy in terms of experience. “Pretty Boy” lost his Octagon debut to Justin Willis via first-round knockout at UFC 233 after earning a contract with the promotion on the Contender Series. He is 9-3 with one no contest over the course of his pro career, which also includes a loss against Curtis Blaydes on the regional circuit.