LAS VEGAS – Despite needing just 57 seconds to score a win in his professional debut, Greg Hardy wasn’t exactly thrilled with his performance.

“Honestly, I think I did OK,” Hardy said. “I wasn’t really too impressed with the overall performance. There was a lot of holes. There was a lot of opportunities for me to get knocked out. So I went back to the gym instantly, as soon as I heard about the (next) fight, and started plugging those holes. It’s always about improvements, one by one.”

Hardy made his professional debut in June, picking up a win over fellow NFL veteran Austen Lane at Dana White’s Contender Series 9. After the event, UFC President Dana White admitted he was impressed by Hardy’s potential but wanted to sign him to a developmental deal and bring him back for another look.

Hardy said he was just fine with that plan of attack.

“I was humbled by the offer,” Hardy said.

Now Hardy (1-0) meets Tebaris Gordon (3-0) in the featured bout of Tuesday’s Dana White’s Contender Series 16 event at The Ultimate Fighter Gym in Las Vegas. The card streams live in full on UFC Fight Pass.

While it’s been just eight weeks between appearances, Hardy insists vast improvements have been made.

“You’ve got to imagine how much development came just over a year and a half from starting MMA, so it doesn’t take long,” Hardy said. “I get in there, I lock in, and I’m trained by the best in the world. I spend a lot of time with Din Thomas. I spend a lot of time with Dan Jolly, UFC vet, and a lot of time with most of the high-level heavyweights in the world right now, so it’s ample opportunities for me to learn, for me to get in there and get my butt kicked and figure things out all day, everyday.”

Hardy’s coaches at American Top Team universally praise not only the former football star’s natural athleticism but also his commitment to improving, citing a work ethic that’s second to none. Hardy insists it’s that constant effort that fueled his success on the football field and believes it will pay dividends in fighting, as well.

“That’s been my motto since I was in high school,” Hardy said. “I’ve been working my way up. I’ve been earning my spots and just putting in the work for my who life. I’ve gotten to see the fruits of doing it the right way. Honestly, it’s led me to Pro Bowls. It’s led me to countless opportunities. I just didn’t think this would be any different. Just put in the work, earn your way, and the rest, humbly will come to you.”

Hardy said he’s watched some tape on Gordon, and though he sees a smaller man in his opponent, he does know that “Boom” may be able to move a little quicker. Still, Hardy likes his chances.

“I’m ready for a fight,” Hardy said. “I’m ready to get in there and get it done and make sure I don’t make any mistakes, honestly.”

If Hardy does that, he believes his destiny is inevitable. White doesn’t seem in a rush to get Hardy to the UFC too quickly, and the heavyweight prospect seems OK with that. But Hardy believes he’ll be ready for the big time sooner rather than later, and he thinks even his detractors will be forced to recognize his abilities.

“I’m definitely going to come out and look to impress,” Hardy said. “I was born to be an entertainer. This is what I do, hands down. I love my fans. I love to make people smile. I love to put people on the edge of their seats with amazing feats, and I think that’s what I want to come out and do every fight – but at the same time, I want to earn it, man. I want there to be no doubt once I step in to the big show, that it’s, ‘Oh, my God, he deserves to be here. Like him or not like him, I want to buy a ticket to see the show.’”

For more on Dana White’s Contender Series 16, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.