Former NFL defenseman Greg Hardy continued his winning ways in MMA, winning his most recent bout on September 29 in just 53 seconds.

As reported by MMA Fighting, Hardy, who earned a UFC developmental deal this summer, competed against Rasheem Jones in the main event of Xtreme Fight Night 352. The event aired on the UFC's online streaming service, UFC Fight Pass, and took place at the River Spirit Casino & Resort in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Hardy won the fight by knockout to improve to 3-0 as a professional mixed martial artist. The fight marked his latest chapter in the sport since the end of his NFL days.

Hardy's MMA journey so far

As reported by USA Today's MMAJunkie, Hardy's match with Jones started the same way all of his fights have so far — with the former NFL player throwing for power from the opening bell.

Jones attempted to eliminate Hardy's stand-up game with a takedown, but it was messed up. Hardy sprawled and managed to take control on the ground before finishing off Jones with several shots to the head until the referee stopped the bout.

Hardy made his professional debut back in the summer as part of Dana White's "Tuesday Night Contender Series" after going 3-0 in amateur MMA between November 2017 and February 2018.

He defeated fellow former NFL player Austen Lane in 58 seconds in front of White, president of the UFC. The win earned Hardy a UFC developmental deal. He appeared on the show's season finale weeks later, defeating Tebaris Gordon in 17 seconds.

White elected for Hardy to remain on a developmental deal in order to gain more experience.

As part of the deal, Hardy cannot go to any of the UFC's competitors (i.e. Bellator MMA), but he can train at the UFC's Performance Institute in Las Vegas and compete in smaller promotions that either do not compete with the UFC or are aired on UFC Fight Pass.

All six of Hardy's wins — three amateur and three professional — have come by KO or TKO in less than 100 seconds.

Five came in the fight's first minute.

Hardy's NFL days

The Carolina Panthers drafted Hardy in 2010, with the 2013 season arguably being his best with the team. During that year, he broke the Panthers' single-game team record for sacks and ended the year with 15 sacks, a franchise season record. Hardy earned Second-team All-Pro honors and made the Pro Bowl that year.

Hardy was arrested on domestic violence charges in May 2014, and while found guilty, he appealed the ruling, requesting a jury trial. The victim then failed to appear in court and no longer cooperated with authorities.

After appearing in one game for the Panthers in 2014, Hardy was played on the commissioner's exempt list. Hardy was cut by the team and played 2015 with the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys did not re-sign him after the season.
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