British MMA legend Dan Hardy has teased a potential 2024 return to MMA against an unnamed former UFC champion.
The former welterweight title challenger retired from competition in 2012 and has since commentated for the UFC and Cage Warriors. Hardy is now with rising promotion PFL, leading PFL Europe as ‘Director of Fighter Operations’.
The PFL has made big waves in the last year, notably getting Jake Paul on board alongside creating a ‘Super Fight’ division. This new division will allow for big, non-seasonal fights that wouldn’t otherwise be possible, while also allowing a 50/50 revenue split between promotion and fighters.
At the Four Nations event in Wales, Hardy hinted at the idea of fighting in this newly founded division against a former UFC champion.
He said: “I’ve had a couple of phone calls recently. It looks like I might be fighting MMA again next year.
“There’s a couple of people that have been saying my name too much and they’ve been saying my name too much for the PFL so we’ll see what happens.
“We’ve got a big Ngannou pay-per-view coming up in the first quarter of the year (2024). Don’t be surprised if you see me on there beating up a former UFC champion.”
Hardy on Who His Potential Opponent May Be
Many former UFC champions that could work as a potential matchup for Hardy. But, there is one name in particular that has been rumoured to fight ‘The Outlaw’ in the past.
Tyron Woodley is no stranger to these ‘crossover’ fights, having fought Jake Paul twice. Recently, he has gone back and forth with Hardy on social media, with rumours of a contract even being offered to the two former UFC welterweights.
However, Hardy remained tight-lipped when asked to attach a name to his mystery opponent.
He said: “I can’t give you a name right now.
“I’ll wait until the ink is on the contract because he’s had a contract a couple of times and he’s never signed it.
“I won’t hold my breath because I’ll probably pass out before he signs it. But, if he does sign it we’ll have an absolute war and he’s gonna regret saying my name to the PFL. I’ll make sure of that.”
Dan Hardy Full Exclusive Interview
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