It seems British welterweight on the rise, Dan Hardy, would be eager to face Diego Sanchez, because guys like Jake Ellenberger are out of his league right now.
When asked which of the two he’d like to face next, Hardy said (H/T ESPN):
“Ellenberger’s closer to a title shot than fighting me at the moment. I’m trying to be realistic about where I am, and I need to win one or two fights before I’m back in his pool.”
But when it came to Sanchez, Hardy said he would love to fight him because he thinks the fighter is “hilarious” and that he can’t “take him seriously.”
Sanchez is looking to move back down to lightweight, where he hasn’t fought since losing to B.J. Penn for the title in 2009. He’s expected to face Takanori Gomi at UFC on Fuel 8 in Japan, but that’s not because he’s had an unsuccessful career at 170 lbs.
His last three fights at welterweight have been the Fight of the Night, where he beat Paulo Thiago, Martin Kampmann and lost narrowly to Ellenberger in an all-out war.
On past record, Sanchez could easily move back up a division to grant Hardy’s wishes.
Hardy himself is a rejuvenated fighter after going on a career threatening four-fight losing streak between 2010 and 2011. He’s since found form, beating Duane Ludwig by knockout and Amir Sadollah by unanimous decision.
As to when we’ll see Hardy back in action, the Brit suggested the end of March or beginning of April 2013 is most likely.
“I’m making improvements now, I’m at a good team, and I want to allow myself that time to improve,” Hardy said.
“It’s very difficult to improve during training camp…you’re just focused on game-planning and condition. Away from training camp I can think about the things I need to improve on.”
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