Former NFL star Greg Hardy suffers BRUTAL knockout in his Bare Knuckle Fighting debut

Former NFL defensive end Greg Hardy suffered a debilitating knockout in his bare-knuckle boxing debut against Josh Watson as part of the Knucklemania 3 card on Friday night.

With just under two minutes left in the second round of the fight, Hardy missed the target with a savage left hand jab, and in return, took a left hook from his opponent that saw him immediately drop to the canvas. .

Watson also connected with a secondary right hand as Hardy was going down for good measure, leaving the former defensive end needing help getting up since he couldn’t even sit up under his own power.

Hardy has explored a number of mixed martial arts feats since he was banished from the NFL following a domestic violence conviction in 2014.

Hardy was dealt a perfectly delivered left hand after he swung wildly and missed his opponent.

The former NFL star’s legs gave out immediately as his body crumpled to the canvas.

After spending a year on the commissioner’s exempt list, he signed a one-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys before leaving the league for good.

By the end of his senior season, Hardy finished with 238 tackles and 40 sacks, along with a Pro Bowl appearance.

After accepting that his NFL career was over, Hardy turned to the UFC, where he posted a career record of 7-5, with six of his seven wins coming by knockout and one by decision.

However, his contract with the UFC was not renewed after he lost his last three fights in a row.

Last June, ESPN reported that Hardy had signed a multi-year fighting contract with the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.

“I’m back and ready to knock everyone out in the baddest promotion there is. Everyone knows I can knock people out, and that’s what I plan to do. I can’t wait to take my gloves off and fight for BKFC.” Hardy said at the time.

Prior to his BKFC debut, Hardy also dabbled in boxing, recording wins over Mike Cook in October 2022 and Hasim Rahman Jr.

His opponent, Watson, entered the fight with a 1-1 record and was able to seal his second win for BKFC in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Hardy last played for the Dallas Cowboys in 2015 before being turned away from the league after being charged and convicted of domestic violence in 2014.

Prior to signing with BKFC, Hardy posted a 7-5 record with six KO’s while fighting in the UFC.