Greg Hardy vs. Khalil Rountree Jr. Targeted for UFC 252 in August

The Ultimate Fighter 23 finalist, Khalil 'The War Horse' Rountree Jr. is planning his premier foray at heavyweight in August at UFC 252 - as he's targeted to clash with the polarizing striker, Greg 'Prince of War' Hardy.

Returning to the win column after a short-notice decision shutout to Alexander Volkov at UFC Fight Night Moscow last November, American Top Team trainee, Hardy managed a unanimous decision win of his own against Yorgan de Castro at UFC 249 in May. Tiger Muay Thai trainee, Rountree Jr. dropped a knockout defeat to Ion Cuţelaba at UFC Fight Night Copenhagen last September. News of the planned heavyweight tie was initially penned by Combate's, Raphael Marinho.

Former Dallas Cowboys Defensive end, Hardy joined the promotions ranks back in January of last year, and has featured six times in the Octagon since. Prior to his debut, the 31-year-old had twice competed on Dana White's Tuesday Night Contenders Series, stopping both Austen Lane and Tebaris Gordan with strikes. In promotional wins since the finisher has stopped both Juan Adams and Dmitry Smolyakov of note.

Following his Ultimate Fighter finale defeat to Andrew Sanchez back in July of 2016, California native Rountree Jr. has secured a 4-3-1 record under the organization's banner. In highlight wins, the 30-year-old has notched triumphs over the likes of Paul Craig, Eryk Anders, and a shocking knockout opposite decorated kickboxing ace, Gökhan Saki.

Hardy and Rountree Jr. hold a combined ten knockout wins in their professional careers, with both finding five finishes each via strikes.