Dan Hardy has issued a statement following his firing from the UFC.
Dan Hardy is no longer a UFC employee.
‘The Outlaw’ was fired by Ultimate Fighting Championship after a verbal incident involving another member of staff, he revealed in a statement on Wednesday.
Hardy, a former UFC color commentator and analyst, claims he was ‘forthright but not aggressive’ and that he is still under contract with BT Sport although there is mounting pressure to push him out of the organisation entirely.
Hardy posted the full statement on his website, FullReptile.news.
“Apologies for my silence on this current situation. I’m still chasing answers privately, and it’s taking some time. This is what I can say, at this point.
It was a verbal disagreement between myself and a member of the UFC staff. It was forthright but not aggressive, and specific to work.
I have apologized to the individual, for the embarrassment they must have felt, as a small handful of our colleagues from the British media were present. We were taking a brief break from recording UFC 258 content, a few hours after the Holloway Kattar event had concluded, when the disagreement occurred. The conversation could have definitely taken place in a better location, and under better circumstances.
BT Sport have not fired me, and are still keen on working with me in some capacity. I’m appreciative of their interest in a continued collaboration. Thank you all for the support in the comments across their accounts. They are paying attention and making efforts, although there is pressure to push me out entirely.
The Raptors were quarantined for three weeks in order to attend UFC 259, but had their credentials revoked, so we’re diversifying our content a little, and appreciate your subs and support.
It has been suggested that a reconciliation between myself and the UFC is possible, and of course, I hope that is the case. I have yet to speak to, or hear from Dana, and get a better understanding of his perspective on the situation.
The result of their brief and private investigation has left me with little closure, and hope that at some point I’m able to get more information of what I’ve actually been accused.
I’m forever a fan of the UFC, and dedicated in service of MMA. I appreciate all of your kind words and support, both privately and publicly, and have lots of exciting offers to consider.
With respect and gratitude,
The Outlaw”
Hardy had been working on commentary duties for the UFC since he was forced to put his fighting career on hold following his diagnosis of Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome in 2013. The former UFC welterweight title challenger is widely considered one of the best analysts in the sport today and provides valuable technical insight on his YouTube channel, Full Reptile.
Hardy hasn’t fought in the UFC since decision win over Amir Sadollah in 2012.