MMA could be getting a little more interesting, as former NFL defensive end Greg Hardy has announced he’s turning his efforts and focus to becoming a professional MMA fighter.카지노사이트
Normally this would be the point in time where we congratulate a star athlete on their new career choice, wish them luck, etc. But Hardy is a notorious woman beater who seems to have absolutely no chill.
Even if somehow Hardy magically isn’t what the courts and media have painted him out to be (he maintains his innocence). He still seems like one sketchy dude who makes questionable decisions.
After flaming out of the NFL at just 28 years old – largely due to all that “beating women” stuff – Hardy seems to have gotten the hint that his pro football days are in the rearview mirror. Now he’s figuring to channel his physicality, athleticism, size and clear need to beat the living hell out of something into doing it for money.
It certainly makes good sense.
Just because Hardy is a big, monstrous dude (he stands in at 6’5” and as an NFL defensive end, he’s a bit of a hulk) doesn’t mean he has the skill-set, stamina or resilience to be successful in mixed martial arts at a professional level.
It also doesn’t guarantee anything comes of this. It sounds like Hardy is serious about fighting and will get the opportunity to do so, however, so that got us to thinking – who would we like to see Greg Hardy face?
This is assuming, of course, Hardy fares well enough in sure-to-be initial cakewalk matchups to help generate publicity and momentum. Should he ever make it to the UFC, here’s five fights we’d love to tune in for:
Brock Lesnar
Hey-o! Okay, Lesnar is still under contract with WWE and is even facing a drug penalty (and possible suspension) from the UFC. But the former heavyweight champ fought (and won) this past summer and maintains he didn’t use any steroids.
Lesnar has also suggested that he’s a “prize” fighter and that he’d be open to future UFC bouts as he tries to successfully put a positive wrap on a once promising MMA career. He has little to prove after obtaining and defending the UFC heavyweight belt. But perhaps these allegations of PED abuse may drive him to return again, better than ever.
Depending on how Lesnar’s situation unfolds. He’d have to be the first big name most people think of that would be fun as heck to take on Hardy. They’d be similar in size and power, as both have football backgrounds and played on the defensive line.
Hardy has already made it be known that due to his size, strength and power, he’d undoubtedly be competing in the heavyweight division. If that’s the case and he somehow works his way into the UFC, this has to be the first fight everyone pines for.
Stipe Miocic
Miocic makes a ton of sense as the current UFC heavyweight champ. Should Greg Hardy works his way up the ranks and make a case for a title shot. He’d currently be looking at a date with the impressive and powerful Miocic.
Miocic has been beyond impressive, really, as he’s marched to a 16-2 record inside the Octagon. He’s displayed brute power and striking ability through the process, while losing just once by knockout. He’s been red hot lately, too, with four straight victories. While taking down big names like Mark Hunt, Fabricio Werdum and Alistair Overeem in the process.
It’s easy to suggest Miocic won’t be at the top of the UFC forever. But even if he’s not, his striking ability will be fun to witness close up against someone like Greg Hardy.
Fabricio Werdum
Werdum is another interesting heavyweight talent, and with his age (39) and status as a top heavyweight title contender. He’d undoubtedly be one of the many pieces of an ugly UFC gauntlet Greg Hardy would have to work his way through to get to the top.
Werdum is no punk, either, as he sports a strong 21-6 record in the UFC’s toughest division and owns impressive wins over Mark Hunt, Travis Browne, Cain Velasquez, Fedor Emelianenko and Roy Nelson.
Not only does Werdum pack a serious punch (6 knockouts), he also has some of the best technical skills of the best heavyweights (10 submissions). His ability to kill the opposition in more than one way at an elite level is what makes him so dangerous.
A showdown with Greg Hardy would be very interesting. As both men would stand nearly eye to eye and would share similar strength and power. Werdum would go in with a severe skill-set advantage, though, and would probably submit Hardy rather quickly.바카라사이트
Cain Velasquez
Velasquez is one of the nastiest UFC fighters around, so naturally if Greg Hardy proves himself and works his way up the UFC heavyweight ladder, a showdown with one of its top fighters makes sense.
Currently the #2 heavyweight contender in the UFC, Velasquez has worked his way back up to get another title shot and if he ever faces Hardy. It’s quite possible he does it as the UFC champ. He’s tasted that glory before and after dealing with some struggles. It’s known that he wouldn’t relinquish it again so willingly.
On paper Velasquez seems like the perfect opponent for Hardy, as he’s a pure striker who really doesn’t try to go to the ground or get a win via submission. Hardy would have a serious size and reach advantage. But he’d have to be ready for some truly powerful blows and simply put. A guy who knows how to fight standing up.
Alistair Overeem
Overeem is another heavyweight contender that pops up right away when you thinking of UFC fighters you’d like to see Greg Hardy battle. As he’s virtually the same size and has been an extremely prevalent force at the highest level.
Overeem does have 15 career losses to his name, but …