Gallery Greg Hardy def. Austen Lane at Dana White’s Contender Series 9: Best photos view 9 images Greg Hardy will meet his most experienced opponent to date when he steps in the cage for his fourth professional MMA bout later this year. Hardy (3-0), the former NFL standout who earlier this week was confirmed to compete at December’s Island Fights 51 event on UFC Fight Pass, will take on Miles Dakota Merritt (3-3) in a heavyweight matchup, a UFC official told MMAjunkie. Merritt, 29, will return to action from a more than two-year layoff for the bout. The 6-foot-7 fighter has competed at super heavyweight during his career and, over his six fights, has earned all his victories by knockout and suffered all his losses by decision. “I’m excited to get this fight and opportunity,” Merritt stated.