BKFC Knucklemania 3 results: Former NFL star, UFC veteran Greg Hardy flattened in bareknuckle debut

Former NFL star and UFC veteran Greg Hardy made his first walk to the BKFC ring, but things did not go as he planned.

At BKFC Knucklemania 3 at Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque, N.M., Hardy took of the gloves for the first time in his fighting career to face Josh Watson, a former MMA fighter who entered with bareknuckle experience. After surviving an initial storm, Hardy found himself on the receiving end of a devastating knockout, spoiling his bareknuckle debut.

Watson came out fast tagging Hardy with sharp punches. Hardy was able to circle away and reset to get his bearings, looking to settle into the fight. Once taking control of the center of the ring, Hardy began working behind a left jab that kept Watson on the outside.

However, things changed in the closing seconds of the round when Watson landed a crushing left hook that sent Hardy crashing into the rigid ropes, which prevented him from hitting the canvas. Counting as a knockdown, Hardy was given a standing eight count, and referee Dan Miragliotta allowed the fight to continue.

Down goes Greg Hardy!! #KnuckleMania3 pic.twitter.com/JHF5evpoNg

— FITE (@FiteTV) February 18, 2023

Between rounds, a large gash over the left eye of Watson caused concern from the ringside doctor, but he was cleared to begin the second round.

In the opening seconds, Watson rushed Hardy again, this time connecting with a huge punch that would send Hardy crashing to the mat once and for all. After assessing Hardy’s condition, Miragliotta called a stop to the fight as Watson began his celebration.

UPSET CITY!!! Josh Watson stops Greg Hardy! #KnuckleMania3 pic.twitter.com/qFrv28eoq7

— FITE (@FiteTV) February 18, 2023

Watson, 40, entered Friday’s bout on the heels of a first-round stoppage of Kyle McElroy at BKFC 28 in August. As an MMA fighter, Watson won six of 10 bouts, finishing most of his opponents in the opening frame.

Hardy, 34, tested his hands in traditional gloved boxing after his UFC exit last March. He defeated Mike Cook and Hasim Rahman Jr. in a pair of bouts, leading to his signing with BKFC in January.