Stosic knocks out Greg Hardy in third round despite 52-pound weight disadvantage

Darko Stosic knocked out Greg Hardy at 2:42 of the third round in the FNC 31 co-main event on Saturday, ending the fight with a vicious overhand right despite carrying a 52-pound weight disadvantage. The result drops Hardy to 1-1 in MMA since his UFC departure in 2022 and extends Stosic’s winning streak to two fights.

Hardy had arrived at the weigh-ins 25 pounds over the heavyweight limit on Friday, compounding the mismatch on paper heading into the bout. It made little difference once the fight was underway. Midway through the third round, Stosic landed a sharp leg kick to set up the overhand right that snapped Hardy’s head back and sent him crashing to the canvas. Stosic followed with a hammer fist before the referee stepped in to wave off the contest.

Hardy, 37, has spent much of his time boxing since the UFC released him in 2022 following three consecutive knockout losses — to Marcin Tybura, Tai Tuivasa, and Serghei Spivac. He had returned to MMA with a win in January before Saturday’s setback, which represents the toughest opposition he has faced since leaving the promotion.

The former NFL defensive end had transitioned into MMA after just three fights before earning a UFC contract, going on to record three wins inside the octagon before his run of defeats led to his release.

Hardy already has another fight booked for July 18 at a Peak Fighting card in Texas, though whether he will be cleared to compete following Saturday’s knockout remains uncertain. The decision may rest with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, which holds authority over fighter medical suspensions in the state.