Hardy's venture into MMA takes more than just training

It appears that anyone can call themselves a professional mixed martial arts fighter.

Last week, former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Greg Hardy announced that he would trade in his cleats and shoulder pads and embark on an MMA career.

In a statement to MMA Fighting.com, Hardy said he has been training for several months and there are already promoters who are interested in signing him. Hardy’s first professional fight is scheduled for 2017.

Hardy, a second-team All American from the University of Mississippi, played for the Carolina Panthers from 2010-2014, before he signed a one-year deal wit...