Greg Hardy has his arm raised in victory after beating Yorgan De Castro at UFC 249 Saturday night in Jacksonville, Fla. Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

It was the biggest MMA fight to date for former NFL star Greg Hardy. The former Pro Bowler entered UFC 249 Saturday night in Jacksonville, Florida, boasting a 5-2 career record.

It also represented the first time that Hardy was on center stage for the biggest event the UFC has to offer.

Could the heavyweight who was shunned by the NFL due to a domestic violence incident take his next step to star status in the Octagon?

In the end, Hardy proved the naysayers wrong by defeating Yorgan De Castro via unanimous decision, 30-27.

The sports world had its reactions to Hardy moving to 6-2 in his career and potentially looking at bigger things ahead.

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