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 bout, Hardy missed the target with a wild left-handed swing and in return ate 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 on the way down for good measure, leaving the former defensive end needing assistance to get up as he was unable to even sit up under his own power. 

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

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

At the end of his final season Hardy finished with 238 tackles and 40 sacks, along with one Pro Bowl appearance.

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

His UFC contract, however, was not renewed after he lost his final three fights in a row.

Last June, ESPN reported that Hardy had signed a multi-year fight contract with 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’m planning on doing. I can’t wait to take the gloves off and rumble for BKFC,’ Hardy stated at the time. 

Before his BKFC debut Hardy also dabbled in boxing, recording victories over Mike Cook in October of 2022 and Hasim Rahman Jr.

His opponent, Watson, entered the bout with a 1-1 record of his own, and was able to seal his second BKFC victory in Albuquerque, New Mexico.