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Greg Hardy, former Panthers defensive end earns UFC contract

When the Carolina Panthers drafted Greg Hardy in the sixth-round of the 2010 NFL Draft it initially appeared the team had gotten a bargain. The Tennessee native and University of Mississippi standout enjoyed an early path to stardom in the league.

By year four, Hardy had increased his production annually and earned Pro Bowl honors on the heels of a 15 sack performance during the regular season. However, an off the field arrest and conviction of domestic violence against then-girlfriend, Nicole Holder, led to his eventual departure from professional football.

Carolina parted ways with Hardy after he was placed on the commissioner’s exempt list after one game in the 2014 regular season.