Greg Hardy came into FNC 31 with a huge size advantage after missing weight by 25 pounds, but it did little to help him against fellow former UFC fighter Darko Stosic.
The two heavyweights met in the co-main event on Saturday, where Hardy reportedly held a 52-pound advantage on fight night. Despite the extra weight, Stosic took control in the third round and delivered a devastating finish.
Midway through the round, Stosic landed a hard leg kick before connecting with a crushing overhand right that sent Hardy crashing to the canvas. A follow-up hammer fist forced the referee to step in at 2:42 of the third round.
The victory extends Stosic’s winning streak to two fights, while Hardy falls to 1-1 in MMA since leaving the UFC in 2022.
Hardy’s UFC career showed flashes of promise, with the former NFL star picking up three wins inside the Octagon before a brutal stretch derailed his momentum. Consecutive knockout losses to Marcin Tybura, Tai Tuivasa, and Serghei Spivac ultimately brought his UFC run to an end.
Despite Saturday’s setback, Hardy is already booked to return on July 18 at a Peak Fighting event in Texas. Whether that fight goes ahead remains uncertain, as the knockout loss could result in a medical suspension that delays his next appearance.