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#4 Greg Hardy vs. Ben Sosoli (Heavyweight)
There's never a dull moment when the controversial Greg Hardy is around. The former NFL Defensive End has finished all his five wins and has already fought thrice in 2019. His opponent, Ben Sosoli may not be a known figure as this was his first UFC bout, however, he was no slouch. Did the Australian underdog pull off a massive upset on his UFC debut? Only one way to find out...
Round 1: The reach advantage was noticeable as Hardy looked the larger man. The crowd was firmly on Sosoli's side as he got a few cheers for some strikes.
Hardy was quick with his jabs in the opening stages. Sosoli was finding it tough to get into the range and engage in the pocket. Hardy maintained his reach with the jab. Hardy connected with an inside leg kick. Both men were scouting each other's strikes well thus far.
Sosoli attempted a sloppy takedown. He faked the right and went for a lead left. Hardy moved away. A solid body shot from Sosoli. The Australian didn't want to overextend himself and waited for his moments. Both fighters trade shots in the pocket. Hardy looked good as he was fast and athletic in the opening round.
Hardy had landed 15 significant strikes to Sosoli's eight. Sosoli suffered a cut under his right eye. Hardy looked comfortable as he got through Sosoli's guard on a few occasions with the left jabs and a right. The round ended with Hardy showboating a little.
Round 2: Hardy landed the jabs with his left. He got ina good right-hand shot as well. Hard kick to the body from Hardy. He attempted a superman punch and looked measured in his approach.
An outside leg kick was used by Hardy. He followed it up with a couple of leg kicks. Sosoli answered with a three-piece combo. Hardy stayed long and kept going in and out. He moved his head well to avoid the incoming strikes. Sosoli was throwing bombs but none of them landed.
There was another inside leg kick from Hardy. Sosoli kept going for the left hook but he also needed to use his right to keep Hardy guessing.
Hardy connected with a stiff jab and had landed 18 significant strikes in the second round. Sosoli tried to force the clinch but Hardy moved away. Hardy looked tired but Sosoli couldn't capitalize as the round ended amidst a chorus of boos.
Round 3: Sosoli tried to get into the pocket again but Hardy remained elusive. Hardy waited for Sosoli to commit before connecting with his offence.
Hardy continued to connect with the leg kicks. Sosoli wanted to find a way in using the jabs but Hardy's head movement was top-notch today.
Sosoli finally landed a big right hand followed by a left hook. Sosoli went for the wild left hook on many occasions but Hardy looked way too smooth. Sosoli briefly lost his balance and Hardy attempted to finish the fight, however, Sosoli retreated in the knick of time.
Sosoli landed a good shot with a minute left to go. Big right hook from Sosoli. He changed levels and landed a big left hook. The fight came to a close with Sosoli trying to rile up Hardy.
Greg Hardy went the distance for the first time in his career but he was never in any trouble during the fight. Sosoli could have pulled off an upset if he had been a little more aggressive. He even had the fans on his side, however, Hardy put on a mature performance to get his fourth win of the year. However, there was an unexpected twist in store.
Result: Greg Hardy def. Ben Sosoli via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Final Result as per UFC: The fight result was later changed to a no-contest after Greg Hardy was found using an inhaler between round 2 and 3. Given below is Greg Hardy's statement as per Ariel Helwani.
Weirdly enough, Hardy used an inhaler between rounds, which, as far as we know, is certainly not legal. Will Hardy be pulled up for it? Will the UFC act upon the incident? Dana White has to answer a lot of questions in the post-fight press conference.
As per ESPN's Brett Okamoto, UFC vice president of regulatory affairs called it completely illegal during the broadcast.
