When greg Hardy’s “USADA approved” inhaler cost him a fight

When greg Hardy’s “USADA approved” inhaler cost him a fight

Greg Hardy (Image Courtesy: UFC)

One of the most bizarre incidents that took place inside the UFC octagon was when fighter Greg Hardy decided to use his inhaler during a fight. It took place in 2019, at the UFC on ESPN: Reyes vs. Weidman inside the TD Garden in Boston. Hardy was fighting Ben Sosoli in a three round heavyweight match up and felt uneasy after the second round. 

During the break, the fighter asked the officials if he could use his inhaler as it is legal by USADA. “Can I take my inhaler? It’s USADA approved,” Hardy was heard asking the UFC officials before using it. 

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After that, Hardy went on to win the fight via unanimous decision and even got a UFC bonus award. However, the MSAC (Massachusetts State Athletic Commission) later decided to overturn the fight to a No Contest. 

Hardy also disclosed that he needs an inhaler daily and has exercise-induced asthma. He also highlighted that he had told the MSAC and USADA, the anti-doping partner of the UFC, about his use of the inhaler in his paperwork.

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Greg Hardy reaction after the fight was declared no contest 

Greg Hardy (Image Courtesy: UFC)
Greg Hardy (Image Courtesy: UFC)

The MSAC released a statement about Greg Hardy’s use of an inhaler in the middle of the fight. They mentioned: “The inhaler was not pre-approved by the Commission for use during the fight in accordance with the Commission’s regulations. Therefore, the Commission overturned the win and declared the bout a No Contest.”

Hardy was not happy with the decision and overall how things happened. During his interview with Ariel Helwani, the fighter talked about he made sure to ask the officials before taking it and got a green light. 

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“I think it’s something that we’re gonna have to fight out in court and figure it out. I didn’t need it at all. I wanted to take the inhaler, because I have asthma and I was at a breathing disadvantage. … When they’re telling you [that] you can, you don’t want to continue putting yourself at a disadvantage if you don’t have to,” said Hardy. 

After that fight, the former NFL player never got a winning momentum and lost last three if his UFC fights before retiring from the promotion in 2022. 

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