Dan Hardy is no longer working for the UFC.
Dan Hardy worked for years as a UFC color commentator and fight analyst for the UFC’s UK broadcast partner, BT Sport. The former UFC title challenger was absent at recent UFC events, and it’s because he is no longer working for both companies.
According to a report from Dave Meltzer, Hardy was “fired” by both the UFC and BT Sport “over an issue in Abu Dhabi where he got into an argument with a female employee.”
Hardy has since discussed the topic on social media. He didn’t reveal too much, but stated it was due to a “disagreement over an opportunity missed, or withheld.”
Rather misleading headline there, @bjpenndotcom. Not entirely accurate either.
I am no longer working directly with the UFC. The ‘female’ part is irrelevant. It was a disagreement over an opportunity missed, or withheld, and I’d love some answers but can’t get any. https://t.co/OWN3huP8Pe— Dan Hardy (@danhardymma) March 7, 2021
Thank you for the kind words and support. I’m doing just fine, and am not going anywhere. I’ll still be breaking fights down on my channel, and elsewhere…
I’m here in service of MMA, and sometimes that puts you on the other side of the line.
I’m fine with that.
— Dan Hardy (@danhardymma) March 7, 2021
There is nothing more insulting, than to have your integrity questioned by someone with questionable integrity. #FixUp #LookSharp #ActRight
— Dan Hardy (@danhardymma) March 6, 2021
The former UFC fighter also had a previous incident in Fight Island, where he clashed and screamed at Herb Dean over a botched call last July. He also criticized the veteran referee again over his hesitation during a UFC 259 stoppage this past weekend.
Since being let go by the promotion, the talented commentator and analyst has been more active on his own YouTube channel, Full Reptile. He has also been actively trying to resume his MMA career, with his efforts including a recent call out against Nick Diaz.
That interview also had a tidbit that makes slightly more sense now that his situation has been made public. He mentioned how he was struggling to discuss a fight booking with the promotion.
“I’m trying to get in contact with the UFC and it’s proving very difficult at the moment,” Hardy said. “So, social media is the best way of going about it.”
Hardy is now 38-years-old and hasn’t competed since 2012, as he was diagnosed with a heart ailment, Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome.