Greg Hardy Win Overturned After Inhaler Use, Dana White Blames Corner

The Massachusetts State Athletic Commission overturned Greg Hardy’s first decision win, his third UFC victory, last night after he used an inhaler inside the Octagon. Hardy was looking good for the W against Ben Sosoli at the end of the second round, but was breathing heavily when he returned to his corner. After taking his inhaler, he finished the third round and was awarded unanimous victory, 30-27 across the board.

“I was in the ring. Me and my coach asked the commission if it would be OK to use my inhaler, and they said yes, so I took it,” Hardy said. “I’m still a new guy in this sport. I did what I do in every situation: I asked permission. I got permission, and I did what I was told.”

Hardy said he was “super sad” that the result was overturned, saying the USADA was aware of his use of an inhaler. “It’s a Ventolin albuterol inhaler for exercise-induced asthma. I used it my whole life. I sign the commission paperwork when I weighed in. It’s on the USADA paperwork.”

UFC President Dana White says the series of events leading to Hardy using the inhaler during the fight was understandable. “I think if you watch it you can understand how it happened,” he said. “He asked the guy, and the guy said, ‘Is it medically approved?’ And he said, ‘It’s USADA approved.’ Because he put it down on his sheet that he was using an inhaler, and they knew he used an inhaler. So it’s crazy.”

White instead blamed Hardy’s corner, former UFC lightweight and American Top Team coach Din Thomas, for the mistake. “Din Thomas … come on, Din. You’ve been in this game forever. His corner, they’ve got to know you can’t use an inhaler in the corner. They should know that. Shouldn’t even be a question.”

While some have accused Hardy of trying to get an advantage over his opponent, he maintains he was only keeping the field level. “[The inhaler] literally just clears the airway so I am able to breath. It’s not so I can breath better. It helps me breath just like you, which evens the playing field.” Ventolin albuterol inhalers do not contain steroids.

Hardy says he’s disappointed to be embroiled in controversy once again. “I’m doing everything I’m supposed to be doing. I asked permission, they told me I could, and I’m in trouble again… It’s a sucky feeling.”