UFC Fighter Dan Hardy has recently been in the news. The American hasn’t fought for the organization, or anywhere else for that matter, in 9 years. He suffers from a medical disease called Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome which ruled him out of fights.
However, he recently got the clearance to fight again and is looking to make the most out of the opportunity. He talked to Submission Radio about his recent release from the UFC. However, he’s still a part of the UFC as a fighter.
“The only thing that’s happened is I’ve asked two different people for my release from the UFC,” Hardy said. “I’m currently trying to get my release from the UFC so I can start looking at other places.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
He mentioned that he had a few ideas, but nothing had materialized yet. Hardy joked that he would have to recruit Joshua Fabia to get the necessary media coverage. He explained that even if the UFC gave him a fight now, it would be someone young upcoming star to build their profile.
“Like, ‘Cowboy,’ Matt Brown (I would fight). They would never in a million years give me the Nick Diaz fight. They’ll use Nick Diaz to build somebody else up. And I just don’t want to be in that situation,” he revealed.
Additionally, Hardy said that wants to try out new things now. His old UFC contract is not at all lucrative and according to him, the numbers are embarrassing. “I’d love to fight in Japan,” Hardy said.
“I’ve always been a big fan of Japan. You know, RIZIN. ONE Championship is doing amazing things.”
Dan Hardy targets a return at middleweight or light heavyweight
He also added that he would consider different options apart from MMA. With the rise of organizations like bare-knuckle boxing and several other promotions with interesting rules, Hardy will find a place for his talents. He added that the world was much bigger than he actually realized.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Hardy revealed that he was looking into different places and that a comeback was definitely on the cards. “So, now I’ve started looking at these other organizations and different weight classes, as well.
“I mean, I could jump into some of these at middleweight and light heavyweight and fancy my chances. We’ll see what happens,” he concluded.
At 38, he’s not getting any younger and while his diseases might have taken the prime of his fighting career, he still is a big name. The highest point of his career was a title shot against Georges St-Pierre in 2010. However, he lost the fight and his career fizzled out. Still, it would be fun to see him back again after all these years.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Where do you see Dan Hardy fighting next?
Read More: Georges St- Pierre- Is He the Greatest Fighter of All Times?