POOR SPORTS
Barry Laminack: Greg Hardy signing is a bad look for the UFC
Jun 14, 2018, 9:16 am
Former NFL player Greg Hardy will get a shot in the UFC. But should he? Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images
Word came out yesterday that the UFC has signed Greg Hardy to a developmental contract (meaning he’ll fight on lower promotions but the UFC will retain the rights to “call him up” when they want). Hardy looked good on the contender series, knocking out Austen Lane in 57 seconds.
By the by, if you haven't seen the video it's absolutely hilarious to watch Dana White and match maker Mick Maynard’s faces when Hardy scores his knockout. They look like they actually enjoy watching fighting, which is refreshing to see.
What’s not refreshing is inking Greg Hardy to a deal.
Look, I know that the UFC is always looking for different angles for promotion. You need look no further than UFC 225 and CM Punk vs Mike Jackson ON PAY-PER-VIEW. So it's not like the UFC isn't willing to try putting people on who are definitely going to sell pay-per-views. Remember they also put James Toney in the ring with Randy Couture...smh.
I think Greg Hardy is a huge mistake for the organization. On my show (The Usual Suspects - airs M-F 1-4pm on ESPN 97.5) my producer Nick Sharara reminded me that Dana White at one point said, “There’s one thing that you never bounce back from and that’s putting your hands on a woman. Been that way in the UFC since we started here.”
Of course Dana White also said he would never let women fight in the UFC, so there’s that.
Greg Hardy was convicted of spousal abuse but that conviction was later expunged when the victim failed to appear in court for a jury trial during his appeal. Still, I’m a “where there’s smoke there’s fire” kind of guy, so this is still a terrible look for the UFC, but the UFC apparently doesn't care as much about that and feels like it would be good to get in bed with Hardy.
MMA already has the reputation of being a meathead sport, and Greg Hardy in the mix doesn't help that reputation. it also doesn't reflect well on the organization itself for being complicit and giving him opportunities to continue his sports career.
Besides, there are a TON of prospects that deserve a shot at a UFC contract, the UFC doesn’t NEED Greg Hardy.
It’s just a bad look all around, but then again, we know White doesn’t give a sh-- what anyone thinks.
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Despite a last-minute comeback attempt by Gonzaga on Saturday, the Cougars defeated the Bulldogs and advanced to the Sweet 16 for the sixth straight NCAA Tournament.
Houston will face the No.4 seed Purdue, who made it to the championship game last year.
The Boilermakers will be one of the toughest opponents the Cougars have faced thus far and will essentially have the home-court advantage with the game taking place in Indianapolis.
Despite the daunting matchup on paper, Houston is currently an -8.5 favorite to win this game. The Cougars should be able to handle Purdue so long as their offense stays hot and they continue to play defense at an elite level.
Keep the offense flowing
Houston guard LJ Cryer matched a career-high with 30 points against Gonzaga and has been the offensive focal point of this team.
This season, the Baylor transfer has averaged 15.6 points per game and has stepped up to be one of the unquestioned leaders of this team.
In addition to Cryer, the Cougars have Milos Uzan and Emanuel Sharp, who can carry the offensive load as they did during the Big 12 Tournament and against SIUE on Thursday.
J’Wan Roberts is another key factor for Houston’s success. The senior forward seems to have recovered from his ankle injury and has been a productive player since returning to the lineup.
Roberts leads the team in rebounds and is one of the most efficient scorers for the Cougars, averaging more than 50% from the field over his last five seasons.
Houston’s dynamic offense and elite defense makes this team one of the toughest to beat during the tournament.
Containing Purdue’s stars
The Boilermakers have two proficient scorers on their team, Trey Kaufman-Renn and Braden Smith, who each average over 15 points per game.
Kaufman-Renn scored 22 points in his previous game against McNeese State and has been one of Purdue’s best players for most of this year.
Roberts and Joseph Tuggler will likely be assigned to the junior forward to slow down his offense, forcing his teammates to step up.
Smith is Purdue’s second-leading scorer, averaging 16 points per game, and has the most assists and steals for the Boilermakers this season.
Both Uzan and Cyrer, who have been elite parameter defenders, will cover the Purdue guard and limit his production.
Containing both Kaufman-Renn and Smith will be Houston’s top priority and the key to come away victorious.
Play Cougar basketball
Head coach Kelvin Sampson has now made it to at least the Sweet 16 six consecutive times and has his team well-positioned to make another deep tournament run.
Since arriving in Houston, the 69-year-old coach has turned this program from an afterthought to one of the best basketball teams in the country year after year.
Sampson’s key to his success is instilling a defensive-first mentality into his team and getting the best effort out of his players.
This season is no different, as Houston has the number-one ranked defense in the nation and is holding their opponents to 58.4 points per game on average.
If the Cougars can create consistent offense and continue playing defense at an elite level, they should win this game with ease and advance to the Elite 8 for the first time in three years.
The Houston-Purdue game will be played at Lucas Oil Stadium on Friday at 9 pm. The winner will play either Kentucky or Tennessee in the next round.