It only took 17 seconds for former NFL defensive lineman Greg Hardy to defeat his opponent, Tebaris Gordon, at Dana White's Contender Series 16.
Hardy, now 2-0 in his professional mixed martial arts career, mauled Gordon (previously 3-0) similar to the way he disposed of Austen Lane, who lasted just 57 seconds in Hardy's pro MMA debut. In each of Hardy's three previous amateur fights he also won by way of first round knock out.
According to Ariel Helwani of ESPN.com, Tuesday's fight was the first of a four-fight contract Hardy has with UFC's parent company, Zuffa, even though it wasn't considered an official UFC fight. Hardy last played in the NFL as a member of the Dallas Cowboys during the 2015 season and has reportedly been training MMA since 2016, following a domestic violence incident that led to a lengthy suspension and ultimately, a change of careers.
After Hardy earned a developmental contract by defeating Austin lane in June, UFC President Dana White spoke of Hardy's troubled past, telling reporters, “The reality is if this guy stays clean for the next 10 years, wins a world title and is one of the greatest mixed martial arts of all time, he’s always going to hear about his past,” White said. “It’s going to follow him for the rest of his life. He’s done everything right so far. He’s paid his dues, hit rock bottom, built himself back up and is trying to make a living.“
Check out Hardy's most recent KO in the video embedded below.