"The CTE speed run is real," "Man has NO defense" - Fans react to ex-UFC heavyweight getting knocked out in boxing match in Russia

A former UFC fighter joined reigning PFL super heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou on the list, becoming the second heavyweight mixed martial artist this year to suffer a knockout loss in a boxing match.

Greg Hardy faced Russian professional boxer Alexei Papin in a boxing match at the Megasport Sport Palace in Moscow on Friday night. In the third round, Papin unleashed a flurry of punches and eventually flattened 'Prince of War' with a crushing right hook that sent the American crashing to the canvas in dramatic fashion.

Check out the video of Greg Hardy's knockout below:

Fans reacted to Hardy’s knockout loss with an array of responses, with many seizing the opportunity to take jabs at his apparent fading combat sports career.

One fan wrote:

"Man has NO defense… Get him back on Misfits."

Another wrote:

"Dude is built for eating tacos, not boxing."

Another commented:

"The CTE speed run is real."

Check out some more reactions below:

Comments on @HappyPunch on X

Hardy transitioned to MMA through 'Dana White's Contender Series' in June 2018, following the conclusion of his NFL All-Pro career. The 'Prince of War' went on to compile a modest 4-5 record with one no-contest in the UFC.

Following his departure from the UFC, Hardy ventured into boxing and bare-knuckle fighting. He was recently announced as one of the new signings for the emerging MMA promotion, Global Fight League.

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Former UFC heavyweight Greg Hardy reflects on his knockout loss

Greg Hardy took to Instagram to reflect on his recent knockout loss to Alexei Papin. In his post, the 'Prince of War' revealed that he accepted the fight on short notice and traveled to Russia without any team members by his side. He wrote:

"I came to Russia Alone on short notice to fight a monster with 18 wins and tested my metal. I got two knockdowns and went toe-toe. I don’t take easy fights, I don’t fight fake fights, I fight real killers, and sometimes the price is high, but I will pay it to become the best, no? Thank you to everyone that helped me get to this point."

Check out Greg Hardy's post below: