Controversial defensive end Greg Hardy is leaving football to chase a career in mixed martial arts.
According to MMA Fighting, the 28-year old pro bowler will be moving to MMA, and plans to fight next year.
"I'm very focused and excited to start my MMA career," Hardy said in a statement to MMA Fighting. "I'm going to do this the right way, I can assure you of that."
Hardy is close to 285 pounds, so he'd need to cut about 20 pounds to make the heavyweight limit.
Hardy missed most of 2014 after a domestic violence incident with his girlfriend. That incident would also sideline him for the first four games due to a suspension, one that was originally 10-games until arbitrator reduced it.
Hardy was arrested for cocaine possession last month, and has been unable to land with an NFL team this season.
