Former NFL All-Pro Greg Hardy (3-1, 3 KOs) meets UFC castoff Dmitry Smoliakov (9-2, 4 KOs, 5 SUBs) at UFC on ESPN 3 on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida. The main card airs live on ESPN starting 9pm ET.
Greg Hardy’s UFC debut could not have gone much worse than it did. The former Dallas Cowboy had been crushed all three of his pro MMA opponents (two of which came in DWTNCS) to the tune of three sub-minute knockouts leading up to that point, and his mix of NFL All-Pro athleticism and raw power was supposed to lead to an easy win.
His dancing partner, Allen Crowder, had other ideas. After surviving Hardy’s initial onslaught, Crowder’s experience took over and turned the tide. As he had Hardy exhausted and on the ropes, Hardy threw an blatant illegal knee that ended up in his disqualification. Even worse, Crowder exposed Hardy as a total newcomer who still had a long ways to go.
This Saturday, we’ll see how the 30-year old bounces back from the embarrassment. The UFC is bringing back Dmitry Smoliakov - who was cut from the promotion in 2017 after two quick losses. The Russian should be a much more manageable matchup for Hardy, though we still have to look at the American through a completely different lens then we did just one fight ago.
Let’s check in with the UFC odds at BookMaker.eu and get to the best online betting values. Remember, live UFC betting is also available on fight night to hedge your bets as well.
UFC Odds at BookMaker.eu
Dmitry Smoliakov +228
Greg Hardy -300
Fight goes/doesn’t go to decision: +305 / -425
Significant Striking Stats
Landed per minute: Hardy 3.88 / Smoliakov 1.63
Accuracy: Hardy 45% / Smoliakov 43%
Absorbed per minute: Hardy 2.41 / Smoliakov 3.35
Defense: Hardy 64% / Smoliakov 56%
Grappling Stats
Takedown average: Hardy 0 / Smoliakov 0
Takedown accuracy: Hardy - / Smoliakov -
Takedown defense: Hardy 66% / Smoliakov 75%
Submission average: Hardy 0 / Smoliakov 0
Bet on UFC odds at BookMaker.eu
Greg Hardy trains full time at American Top Team, so it was a bit surprising to see such an amateur performance out of him in his octagon debut. Against the first guy that didn’t crumble under his first barrage, Hardy completely fell apart. He had no grappling technique, punched himself out and showed zero cardio.
You’ve got to question how serious he is about this MMA thing. Driven out of the NFL because of his domestic violence spats, cage fighting is something the athlete picked up knowing his name would give him a head start. Of course, you could argue the other way around - that he might be training harder than ever in his second chance sport. He’s certainly in the right spot.
As for Smoliakov, we only have a relatively small sample size to pick apart. Both his UFC appearances resulted in quick losses, but prior to that he was signed as an 8-0 Russian prospect. Every one of his wins featured a quick first-round finish, but he was badly exposed by lower-rung UFC heavyweights. We do know that he’s a better-than-average striker who can get opportune finishes, and that might be enough for him to get past Hardy.
UFC Odds Pick: Smoliakov to win at +228
At these odds, we’re going with the Russian. We’re just not sure how much Hardy can improve in just one fight camp, and Smoliakov’s experience at this price is something we’re banking on. If this goes past the first few minutes, your chances at doubling up are excellent.
Bet on UFC on ESPN 3 odds at BookMaker.eu
Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker sportsbook! Real-time spreads, totals, props and money line are all available so start betting with BookMaker today. UFC on ESPN 3 takes place on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida. The main card airs live on ESPN starting 9pm ET.
