Greg Hardy hopes Derrick Lewis captures the heavyweight title at UFC 230 so he can challenge him for the belt in the future.

Hardy (3-0), a former NFL standout who has impressed since transitioning to MMA, received criticism from Lewis (21-5 MMA, 12-3 UFC) over his troubled past when he was given an opportunity to fight on Dana White’s Contender Series.

Lewis, who challenges Daniel Cormier (21-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC) for UFC gold in Saturday night’s headliner at Madison Square Garden, grew up around domestic violence and has been outspoken toward anyone with a history of it. Lewis said he would happily fight Hardy if given a chance, and now Hardy has issued fair warning to “the fat beast” on social media (via Instagram).

Ok ok ok, it’s about to go down baby. Who do you guys have. Let’s argue lol. I want The Fat beast to win so I can go show him a run in with me is broken bones and blood not bruises for that strap lol. #peaceintheviolence #princeofwar a prince can dream can’t he. And that way DC can go get fed to @jonnybones and we can start talk n bout super fight 😎🤔

Hardy was signed to a UFC developmental deal after his first appearance on DWCS over the summer. His next bout is scheduled to take place Dec. 21 at Island Fights 51, and if he wins, it seems the path will be clear for him to join the UFC roster.

How far away Hardy would be from fighting someone with Lewis’ status in the organization, though, is something that can only be determined once he shares the octagon with top-level competition.

For more on UFC 230, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.

Gallery Greg Hardy def. Austen Lane at Dana White's Contender Series 9: Best photos view 9 images