Controversial heavyweight Greg Hardy secured victory against Melbourne based UFC debutant Ben Sosoli, however, the win would prove short-lived as the bout was ruled a no-contest shortly after completion earlier today.
A former NFL pro, Hardy took home a unanimous decision however due to the use of an inhaler in between rounds two and three, the 31-year-old was stripped of his win by the Massachusetts State Athletic Commission who had not approved the use of the inhaler.
It was largely an unentertaining affair as Hardy fought calm and composed bout, out striking Sosoli for the majority of the fight and opening up a cut under Sosoli’s right eye. Sosoli left his charge until the last round which was a little too late as Hardy was awarded the 29-28 victory on all the three judges cards.
Post-fight, talk immediately went to Hardy’s use of the inhaler and the commission was quick to act. It would be a commission employee as to why there was confusion in the first place. Hardy’s team questioned the official inside the cage who reportedly allowed Hardy to take the inhaler but the official had no right to approve the use.
Hardy issued a press release following the decision.
According to the official result release of the Hardy vs. Sosoli bout, it has been ruled a no contest.
Here is Hardy’s quote on the matter. pic.twitter.com/iYDa7IJKun
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) October 19, 2019
“I was in the ring, me and my coach asked the commission if it would be ok to use my inhaler and they said yes, so I took it. I’m still a new guy in this sport, I did what I do in every situation. I asked permission, I got permission and I did what I was told. In this fight, I wanted to prove I was a fighter. I said before the fight that I wanted to go out and put on a showcase and show the leaps and bounds that I’ve improved by. I was all about found the 15 minutes, showing some different weapons and not making so many rookie mistakes and just getting jabbed in the face.
“It was a Din Thomas showcase, I have lots of weapons and a gas rank to use those consistently over all three rounds. Right now, we’re going back to the gym, put it together and let my team make the next decision.”
The bout took place on the main card of UFC Boston earlier today.
Greg Hardy is now 5-1, 1 no-contest as a pro while Sosoli stays at 7-2 while adding a no-contest.
