Controversial heavyweight Greg Hardy has his next fight booked.
However, it will not be on a UFC card even though Hardy is signed to a UFC contract after two wins on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series.
MMAJunkie first reported that Hardy will be the main event on Xtreme Fight Night 352 which is on Sept. 29. The fight will take place at River Sprint Casino Resort in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and the fight will also be streamed exclusively on UFC Fight Pass.
Hardy will be facing Ray Jones who is 1-1 in his MMA career. Although not much is known about Jones, Hardy thinks he knows how this fight will go.
“I’m excited to be back,” Hardy said to MMAJunkie. “I’ve been patiently waiting to get back in the cage. I love this; if I could fight every month I’d be even happier. … I’m really enjoying the process of understanding the game. I’ve been cleaning some things up – so I can finish fights even faster. Tune-in and watch me get my hand raised again.”
He's back on #UFCFIGHTPASS!
Sep 29, @GregHardyJr looks to continue his march towards the UFC heavyweight division LIVE & EXCLUSIVELY on FIGHT PASS!
Don't miss Hardy in the main event from Tulsa, Oklahoma at #XFN352! pic.twitter.com/fR234FRkW7
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) September 19, 2018
After six seasons in the NFL, including one pro bowl, Hardy was out of the league, partly due to the allegations of domestic violence against him. Hardy was found guilty of assaulting an ex-girlfriend and was sentenced to 18 months probation. However, the charges were dropped after the alleged victim failed to appear in court and testify.
Even with all that, the UFC decided Hardy was enough of a star and brought him to fight on the Contender Series, to much backlash from MMA fans. Even though many fans pleaded the UFC not to sign Hardy, they still did as Hardy can fight and is a draw.
Hardy won both his Contender Series fights by knockout early in the first round. Even though many thought the UFC would put Hardy on a card following the two wins, that is not the case.
A win here, in dominating fashion, is what Hardy expects. If Hardy does in fact win, a standard UFC contract might be next.
Do you think Greg Hardy should get a chance to fight in the UFC?
This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 9/19/2018.