Another bout was announced for the UFC on Versus 5 event in Milwaukee, this one features popular UFC welterweights Dan “The Outlaw” Hardy (23-9) and Chris “Lights Out” Lytle (30-18-5).
The promotion posted the notice via their UK Twitter account (@UFC_UK) directing fans to an article from the Nottingham Post, announcing the bout after speaking to Hardy.
“It is exactly the fight I wanted. Chris tries to finish you throughout the fight, and I’m ready for a blaze of glory. This is the kind of fight you can define your career around. You can guarantee Chris Lytle will bring it, that he will have an exciting fight. He’s someone I have always respected because of his attitude.”
UFC on Versus 5 is expected to take place on Aug. 14 at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The event marks the promotions first visit to the State.
Both Hardy and Lytle agreed to meet previous to any contracts being offered. Hardy voiced his desire to fight Lytle via Twitter (@danhardymma), with Lytle accepting the challenge in an interview with BloodyElbow.com.
“The Outlaw” has suffered three straight losses in the UFC and may see himself dismissed from the top promotion should he lose for a fourth time. His last fight in the Octagon was on March 26 at UFC Fight Night 24 where he lost a unanimous decision to Anthony Johnson. The two previous losses were to Carlos Condit by knockout at UFC 120, and a welterweight title loss to champ Georges St-Pierre at UFC 111. Hardy’s last win came against Mike Swick at UFC 105 in November 2009.
Lytle is 4-1 in his last five, but enters the fight with Hardy on a loss after meeting last minute replacement Brian Ebersole at UFC 127. “Lights Out” had been scheduled to fight Condit at the Sydney event but was replaced by Ebersole after an injury forced Condit off the card. Ebersole won a unanimous decision in a fight that earned both fighters the “Fight of the Night” bonus. Previous to that Lytle won a decision over Matt Serra at UFC 119, a submission victory over Matt Brown at UFC 116, submitted Brian Foster at UFC 110, and earned a decision against Kevin Burns at the “TUF 9 Finale”.