In 2016, former Carolina Panthers Defensive end Greg Hardy decided to make the switch from American Football to Mixed Martial Arts.

With no previous experience in the sport, Hardy was pretty-much stepping into the unknown.

After going 3-0 in the amateur ranks, Hardy was signed up to Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender series, which is basically a talent-scouting mission for the big leagues of the UFC.

And following his first-round knockout of fellow former NFL player Austen Lane, Hardy was offered a deal in the UFC by White.

Two more knockout victories have come since, and it's been speculated that it would only be a matter of time before we see the 30-year old on the big stage.

His first fight under the UFC banner will come on January 19 in Brooklyn, where he's scheduled to clash with Allen Crowder at Fight Night 143.

Many fans of the sport have noted a major issue relating to the decision to book Hardy on the card though, and it relates to female competitor Rachael Ostovich.

Hawaiian flyweight Ostovich is scheduled to face Paige VanZant in the second-biggest fight on the card, but only a few weeks ago she was violently assaulted in an alleged case of domestic violence against her husband.

This relates to Hardy as he allegedly assaulted his ex-girlfriend in 2014, and whilst charges against him were eventually dropped, the NFL saw good enough reason to suspend him for the actions alleged against him.

Whilst there's been much criticism for letting Hardy compete, White has sought to defend himself by stating he has the backing of Ostovich herself.

“First of all, I called Rachael Ostovich and talked to her and walked her through this situation,” White stated to ESPN, per MMAFighting.

“Her take on it was, ‘His story isn’t my story. Everybody’s story is different and I believe in second chances. I have no problem fighting on the same card with this guy.’

"He didn’t do anything to Rachael Ostovich. She was totally cool with it. Having her support was a key factor in making that decision.

“These cards get worked on months ahead of time,” White continued. “Rachael was off the card because of what happened.

"Then she called me back, she said - first of all, I wasn’t letting her fight after what had just happened to her. I was like, there’s no way she should fight right now, she needs to take some time.

"She called me and gave me 75 reasons why she needs to be on this card. And I agreed with her. So, we did it.”