The UFC is close to finalizing a heavyweight bout between Greg Hardy and Juan Adams for UFC Fight Night on July 20 in San Antonio, according to multiple sources.
Both sides have agreed to the bout, however contracts are not yet signed. Once official, the bout will take place on the ESPN-aired event, inside at AT&T Center.
The matchup could turn into the first grudge match of Hardy’s young career. Adams (5-1) has been consistently calling out the ex-NFL player over the last year, particularly on social media. He’s questioned the level of competition Hardy has fought, repeatedly used the hashtag ‘#f—GregHardy’ on social media, and said in multiple interviews he “hates” him.
On the night of this year’s NFL draft last month, Adams tweeted, “Watching NFL draft for more future dropouts that the UFC will sign for publicity stunts like this f—ing clown Greg Hardy.”
Hardy (4-1) has ignored Adams’ digs, but sources tell ESPN he’s aware of his next opponent’s remarks. Hardy made his UFC debut in January, and lost via disqualification after he landed an illegal knee. He rebounded with a quick knockout over Dmitry Smoliakov at a UFC Fight Night event last month.
Hardy, 30, was exiled from the NFL in 2015 because of off-the-field legal issues involving drug possession and domestic violence, the latter of which Adams has referenced on multiple occasions. Originally from Millington, Tennessee, Hardy trains out of the renowned American Top Team gym in South Florida.
Adams, of Houston, is coming off a three-round decision loss to Arjan Bhullar on May 4. All five of his professional wins have come via knockout, including four in the first round.