“The Outlaw”, who has taken on commentary since his premature retirement, wants to return to the UFC for superfights.
Dan Hardy’s world was rocked when the Nottingham-based fighter was diagnosed with an extremely rare heart condition in 2013: Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.
“The Outlaw”, who was instrumental in the UFC’s expasion into the UK, was forced to retire from the sport at just 29-years-old but shifted his focus towards commentating and analysis work. Hardy commentates alongside UK wingman and former Cage Warriors personality, John Gooden, and has quickly established himself as one of the best analysts in the game for his work on ‘Inside the Octagon’.
Although the former welterweight challenger has enjoyed his time in the commentary booth since retiring from competition, Hardy still has the itch to step back in the Octagon for the adrenaline rush.
When speaking to MMA Junkie Radio on Friday, the 33-year-old said he’s more interested in returning for superfights, rather than working his way up the 170-pound ladder for another shot at promotional gold.
“It’s been an interesting three years,” Hardy said. “I’ve grown a lot. I’ve matured a lot. I have a different perspective on the sport and what I would want out of it. We had this conversation yesterday. I’m not interested in the belt or rankings anymore.
“I like the way the sport is moving into this area where we’re having a lot of superfights. I like superfights. If there are two guys I want to see fight, I’m not bothered by what weight class or what the rankings are. If I want to see them fight, that’s the fight that should be made. If there’s an overwhelming support for a matchup – I mean, when the (Conor) McGregor vs. (Nate) Diaz fight was made, who didn’t want to see that? There were so many people complaining about the weight class and this and that, but it was a fight we wanted to see, and I’d like to at least have the option to step in and just have those single marquee fights every now and then.”
Before returning to prize-fighting, Hardy must pass a medical stress test to ensure he’s fit for the Octagon. The MMA veteran last fought in 2012, where he picked up back-to-back wins over Duane Ludwig and Amir Saddollah.