‘The Outlaw’ Dan Hardy teases at UFC return to lightweight division

Dan Hardy seems more focused than ever on a return to the UFC, teasing at a potential drop to the lightweight division.

Although Dan Hardy retired in 2013, the former welterweight title challenger has remained instrumental in the UFC’s success and has established himself as one of the best commentators and analysts in the business.

‘The Outlaw’ was forced to step away from competition after being diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, a rare heart condition that affects around 0.3 percent of the population.

However, after spending 4 years on the sidelines with no notable symptoms, Hardy is more hopeful than ever of a UFC return.

Speaking on Wednesday’s UFC Tonight show, the Brit said that if he does make a comeback, it will most likely be at 155-pounds.

“I’ve never done a test cut but I fought twice at 160,” Hardy said, per Dave Doyle of MMA Fighting. “I certainly felt comfortable, it’s a better weight class for me, because there’s a lot of monsters at welterweight right now. And I think that given the fact I don’t do well with the additional weight that I put on since I was fighting at welterweight, I was always so quicker earlier in my career, so agile. … If I was to come back, ’55 would not only be a better weight for my size, but better for my performance as well.”

Hardy retired on a high note, beating Duane Ludwig and Amir Sadollah in back-to-back fights in 2012. The ayahuasca user is not concerned with the belt or rankings and would like to return for ‘marquee’ fights.

“My main focus is not rankings or belts or things like that. My main focus is a marquee fight where I can step in and be challenged by someone I respect and look up to and just give the fans a great fight. I don’t feel like my athletic career is over, I feel like I have more to give.”

Although Hardy hasn’t suffered any adverse affects from his heart condition, the 34-year-old will need medical clearance before stepping back into the Octagon.

Dan Hardy seems more focused than ever on a return to the UFC, teasing at a potential drop to the lightweight division.

Although Dan Hardy retired in 2013, the former welterweight title challenger has remained instrumental in the UFC’s success and has established himself as one of the best commentators and analysts in the business.

‘The Outlaw’ was forced to step away from competition after being diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, a rare heart condition that affects around 0.3 percent of the population.

However, after spending 4 years on the sidelines with no notable symptoms, Hardy is more hopeful than ever of a UFC return.

Speaking on Wednesday’s UFC Tonight show, the Brit said that if he does make a comeback, it will most likely be at 155-pounds.

“I’ve never done a test cut but I fought twice at 160,” Hardy said, per Dave Doyle of MMA Fighting. “I certainly felt comfortable, it’s a better weight class for me, because there’s a lot of monsters at welterweight right now. And I think that given the fact I don’t do well with the additional weight that I put on since I was fighting at welterweight, I was always so quicker earlier in my career, so agile. … If I was to come back, ’55 would not only be a better weight for my size, but better for my performance as well.”

Hardy retired on a high note, beating Duane Ludwig and Amir Sadollah in back-to-back fights in 2012. The ayahuasca user is not concerned with the belt or rankings and would like to return for ‘marquee’ fights.

“My main focus is not rankings or belts or things like that. My main focus is a marquee fight where I can step in and be challenged by someone I respect and look up to and just give the fans a great fight. I don’t feel like my athletic career is over, I feel like I have more to give.”

Although Hardy hasn’t suffered any adverse affects from his heart condition, the 34-year-old will need medical clearance before stepping back into the Octagon.