Greg Hardy’s night at the Vologda Sports Palace in Russia came to an abrupt and frightening conclusion when he lost control of his breathing during a boxing contest with Evgeny Goncharov. The bout was part of the Region Governor Cup under the REN TV Fight Club banner, and Hardy was competing steadily until the situation shifted late in the third round.
As the round approached its close, Hardy appeared exhausted but still engaged. Within moments, the scene changed entirely. Hardy bent forward, coughing sharply, his hands pressed to his knees while he struggled to catch his breath. His corner quickly stepped toward the ring, calling for help as he tried to stay balanced.
Once Hardy reached his stool, the reality became clear. He attempted to ask for an inhaler, and medical staff stepped in immediately. The ringside team recognized that the episode was a severe asthma attack rather than ordinary fatigue. The match was stopped on the spot, and doctors focused on stabilizing him while he attempted to slow his breathing.
A Long Past With Respiratory Trouble Resurfaces
Hardy has dealt with asthma throughout his athletic career, dating back to his time in football. He managed the condition during his seasons in the NFL and through the early phase of his MMA run, but the demands of a heavyweight exchange proved too much on this night. Goncharov had connected with a number of clean punches during the round, further draining Hardy before the attack hit.
He remained on the stool with support from medics until he regained some stability. Not long after, he informed his team that he would no longer continue his combat sports journey. The decision arrived immediately, without hesitation.
Former UFC fighter and NFL Player Greg Hardy collapses into his corner and retires at the end of Round 3 of his exhibition bout with Evgeny Goncharov in Vologda, Russia, with the American seen asking his corner for an inhaler pic.twitter.com/qaZHJ6nlKc
— Tokkerū (@ATokkers5) November 28, 2025
Hardy first rose to national attention through football, where he played at Ole Miss before being drafted by the Carolina Panthers in 2010. His career was derailed when he was found guilty of assaulting a former partner, which played a major role in the Panthers moving on from him. He later joined the Dallas Cowboys for his final NFL season.
After leaving football, Hardy transitioned to mixed martial arts. He opened his pro MMA run with a string of knockouts that led Dana White to bring him into the UFC in 2018. His time in the promotion was mixed. He finished with four wins and five losses before being released in 2022.
He then tried bare knuckle fighting, taking one bout before moving again into traditional boxing. Hardy began his boxing career in 2022, first stopping Mike Cook and then earning a decision over Rahman Jr. He picked up another win in 2023 but was later knocked out in 2024.
What comes next for the former NFL defender and UFC contender is unclear. With another loss and a serious health scare behind him, Hardy now steps away from professional combat for the second time in his turbulent athletic career.
