The recent wave of MMA fighters crossing into the boxing world has produced everything from surprising success stories to spectacular misfires — and on Friday night, Greg Hardy firmly landed in the latter category.
Hardy, a former UFC heavyweight and ex-NFL defensive standout, has continued his combat sports journey in boxing rings across the globe since leaving the Octagon in 2022. But his latest bout in Russia proved a harsh reminder of the issues that repeatedly plagued his UFC run — issues that resurfaced in dramatic fashion during his clash against Evgeny Goncharov.
The 37-year-old stepped into the ring with hopes of kickstarting a new chapter in his athletics career. Instead, the fight was waved off after the third round when Hardy suffered a severe asthma attack in his corner. Cameras showed the fatigued heavyweight visibly distressed between rounds, reportedly asking his coaches for his inhaler. Unable to recover, he was declared unfit to continue, resulting in yet another setback in an already unpredictable post-UFC campaign.
Hardy’s struggles came on a night already filled with cross-combat storylines. From Molly McCann’s awkward boxing face-off to Joe Rogan warning Jake Paul about the dangers of fighting Anthony Joshua, the combat sports world had no shortage of headlines. But even amid that chaos, Hardy’s situation stood out as one of the most alarming.
A Pattern That Follows Hardy From the UFC
Hardy’s asthma issues are not new to fight fans — and in fact, they directly contributed to one of the most unusual moments in modern UFC history.
In 2019, during his fight against Ben Sosoli, Hardy was seen using an inhaler in his corner between rounds. The incident left fans confused, commentators stunned, and officials scrambling. The bout, which Hardy initially won, was later overturned to a no contest. The controversy added to his already polarizing reputation, which stemmed from both his NFL past and his erratic performances inside the Octagon.
That incident itself came just two fights after Hardy’s infamous UFC debut, where he was disqualified for landing an illegal knee against Allen Crowder. For a fighter the UFC fast-tracked due to elite athletic potential, his tenure was a blend of flashes of talent overshadowed by costly mistakes.
The UFC continued putting Hardy in big spots, and in his next appearance after the inhaler controversy, he faced elite heavyweight Alexander Volkov — a drastic jump in competition. Volkov handed Hardy his first decision loss, further exposing the gap between his raw ability and the polished skill required at the top of the division.
Hardy’s UFC run eventually ended in 2022 after a series of knockout losses, including a memorable defeat at the hands of Australia’s Tai Tuivasa. Since then, he shifted his attention to boxing, taking on a mixture of professional and exhibition fights in an effort to rebuild himself as a combat sports athlete.
But Friday’s fight in Russia raised fresh questions about whether Hardy can continue at the level he hopes to compete at — especially when the physical limitations that affected him in MMA reappeared with such severity.
Boxing Crossovers Continue to Dominate Headlines
Hardy’s fight took place as the boxing world buzzed with commentary surrounding another major crossover storyline: Jake Paul’s upcoming showdown with former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.
Even longtime commentator Joe Rogan voiced concern, saying Paul might finally be in over his head after years of fighting aging MMA fighters or long-retired boxers. Meanwhile, well-known figures like Dana White, Tyson Fury, and David Haye did not hold back their opinions:
“That’s a f—ing bad idea… I think everybody’s gonna get what they’ve finally been waiting for.” – Dana White
“Jake Paul by KO.” – Tyson Fury
“If Jake Paul is left up against the ropes with Anthony Joshua unloading on him, it could be the end for him. It could be his last day on Earth.” – David Haye
The heightened attention on crossover combat sports only placed more eyes on former MMA athletes like Hardy and McCann, both of whom were stepping into new territory in boxing. While McCann grabbed headlines for an awkward staredown with her upcoming opponent, Hardy’s night ended under much more troubling circumstances.
Did the UFC Push Hardy Too Quickly?
The Greg Hardy experiment remains one of the most debated signings in modern MMA. Much like Olympic superstar Gable Steveson, Hardy was brought in early in his combat development due to his supreme athletic credentials. The UFC hoped that with proper grooming, he could become a long-term heavyweight attraction.
Some fans still wonder whether the UFC may eventually take a similar risk with Steveson. While Steveson has never competed in MMA, many believe the Olympic gold medalist could bring star power and a new wave of elite wrestling talent into the heavyweight division — a division that, despite criticism over depth, has produced some of the most iconic moments in MMA history.
Hardy, by contrast, was a bet that never fully paid off. His explosive power made him dangerous, but his technical shortcomings and repeated controversies overshadowed any momentum he built. The inhaler incident, in particular, became a defining moment that followed him long after leaving the organization — and Friday night’s boxing match may only cement that reputation.
What Comes Next for Greg Hardy?
With his latest loss ending due to a medical issue rather than a decisive punch, analysts are now left questioning what Hardy’s future looks like. Combat sports demand not only skill but also consistency, conditioning, and the ability to handle high-pressure environments. With his asthma continuing to interfere at crucial moments, the road ahead may be tougher than ever.
Hardy has shown willingness to continue fighting across multiple disciplines — MMA, boxing, bare-knuckle exhibitions — but Friday’s outcome raises obvious safety concerns. Whether he chooses to regroup, reassess, or move on to another venture entirely remains to be seen.
For now, one thing is certain: Greg Hardy’s story in combat sports remains as unpredictable as ever.
