Greg Hardy, the former NFL defensive end who played for the Carolina Panthers and Dallas Cowboys, was knocked out cold at FNC 31 in Belgrade on Saturday evening.
The 37-year-old faced fellow former UFC competitor Darko Stosic in the main event at Belgrade Arena, entering the cage with a substantial size advantage of approximately 50 pounds over his Serbian opponent.
Despite the significant weight disparity, Hardy found himself on the receiving end of a brutal third-round stoppage that has since spread rapidly across social media platforms.
The defeat adds to a difficult run for Hardy since transitioning from American football to combat sports.
Greg Hardy was brutally knocked out in Serbia by former UFC competitor Darko Stosic
|X/@BARSTOOLSPORTS
Hardy had failed to make the 265-pound heavyweight limit by a considerable margin, tipping the scales at 292.3 pounds – some 26 pounds over the division threshold.
His opponent weighed in at 240 pounds, creating a gap of more than 50 pounds between the two fighters.
The size advantage proved meaningless once the action began. Stosic targeted Hardy's legs with kicks to compromise his mobility before finding his mark with a powerful overhand right that connected cleanly.
The punch sent Hardy crashing to the canvas, with the Serbian following up with ground strikes to secure the stoppage in the third round.
The footage has circulated widely online, with much of the attention stemming from Hardy's troubled history away from sport.
The former Pro Bowl selection has faced multiple arrests over the years, including charges related to domestic violence and drugs.
Greg Hardy was sent to the canvas after a brutal overhand right
|X/@BARSTOOLSPORTS
Social media users showed little sympathy for the defeated fighter.
"Every time Hardy gets knocked out, an angel gets his wings," wrote one commenter, whilst another stated: "I could watch this guy get knocked out over and over again."
Others questioned how Hardy could miss weight by such a substantial margin, with one fan suggesting it indicated a lack of proper training preparation.
The Greg Hardy getting knocked out tour continues pic.twitter.com/WNJokTtGUB
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) May 30, 2026
Hardy responded to the defeat by stepping away from social media, posting a message before deactivating his accounts.
"So I'm outta here (deleting the app) for a while guys," he wrote on Instagram.
"Not the result I wanted but proud of myself. I went to war with Serbia's best."
He added that he needed to distance himself from critics, stating: "I've learned for my peace I have to jump off after times like these cause a few select media and keyboard warriors are the scum of the earth."
The loss brings Hardy's professional MMA record to 8-6.
Despite the setback, he already has a championship bout scheduled against Joseph Holmes at Peak Fighting 53.