Dan Hardy regularly known as “the outlaw” is a former professional mixed martial artist from Nottingham, England.
A talented kickboxer and Muay Thai fighter Dan was known for his striking skills, precision technique and his tough and resilient fighting style.
He was one of the most popular fighters in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) during his career, and is regarded as one of the greatest British fighters of all time.
With his signature bright red mohawk and brash persona, Hardy will always be fondly remembered as a pioneer of UK MMA.
Early Life and Career of Dan Hardy
Dan Hardy was born on May 17, 1982, in Nottingham, England. Hardy grew up in a tough neighbourhood in Nottingham and started training in martial arts at a young age to defend himself from bullies.
He began his training in karate but soon moved on to kickboxing, which he loved.
Hardy competed in various kickboxing tournaments in the UK, and his impressive record earned him a place on Team Rough House, a renowned MMA team based in Nottingham.
Dan spent several years training and competing in the UK before getting his big break in the UFC.
Cage Warriors
In 2004, Hardy made his professional MMA debut in Cage Warriors and won his first four fights in the promotion. Before suffering his first loss.
Bouncing back with an impressive run that culminated with being a two time Cage Warriors Champion, successfully defeating Matt Thorpe via split decision before progressing onto bigger better things.
During his time with Cage Warriors, Hardy achieved a record of thirteen wins, one loss and a no contest.
Team Rough House
Team Rough House has produced several notable fighters such as Ross Pearson, Andre Winner, Jimmy Wallhead and Dan Hardy.
The training facility at Team Rough House provides a variety of combat sports training, including MMA, boxing, wrestling, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
The team has a reputation for its tough training regimen, which helps fighters prepare for the rigors of professional competition.
Dan Hardy credited Team Rough House with helping him become a successful fighter, and the team continues to produce top talent in the MMA world.
UFC
Starting his UFC career in 2008, Hardy quickly made his mark by defeating Akihiro Gono in his debut fight.
His victories over big names such as Marcus Davis, Mike Swick, Rory Markham, and Duane Ludwig earned him the nickname “The Outlaw.”
By 2010, Hardy had earned his shot at the UFC Welterweight Championship, but he lost to Georges St-Pierre in the main event of UFC 111.
Despite the loss, Hardy’s striking abilities and charisma made him a popular fighter among fans.
Hardy continued to fight in the UFC until 2012, where he was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, a heart condition that ultimately led to his retirement.
He finished his MMA career with a record of 25 wins and 10 losses.
After retiring from fighting, Hardy shifted his focus to commentating and analysis for the UFC. He has become a respected commentator and analyst, providing insight and expertise to fans of the sport.
Dan Hardy’s Title Shot and Controversy
On March 27, 2010, Dan Hardy fought Georges St-Pierre for the UFC Welterweight Championship at UFC 111, in front of a packed crowd at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Despite being the underdog, Hardy was confident that he had the skills to defeat the champion and become the first British fighter to win a UFC title.
The fight turned out to be a one-sided affair, with St-Pierre dominating Hardy for five rounds.
Although Hardy showed great toughness and resilience, he could not find a way through St-Pierre’s defence, and lost the fight via unanimous decision.
However, the fight was not without controversy. During the third round, Hardy landed an illegal knee to St-Pierre’s head while he was on the ground.
The referee, Dan Miragliotta, did not stop the fight, and the illegal knee went unnoticed by the judges, who deducted a point from Hardy for an earlier infringement.
Many fans and pundits argued that Hardy should have been disqualified for the illegal knee and that the judges’ decision to only deduct a point was lenient.
Some even suggested that the UFC should rematch the fight, but these calls were not heeded, and Hardy moved on to his next challenge.
After the Bout
Following his defeat to St-Pierre, Dan Hardy continued to compete in the UFC for several years.
He faced some of the toughest opponents in the welterweight division, including Carlos Condit, Mike Swick and Anthony Johnson.
Despite some tough losses, including a devastating knockout at the hands of Condit, Hardy remained a popular and respected fighter.
Unfortunately, in 2013, Hardy was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, a rare heart condition that affects the electrical pathways in the heart.
This condition put an end to Hardy’s professional fighting career, and he was forced to retire at the age of 31.
Since turning his attention to other aspects of martial arts, including coaching, commentary and presenting.
Hardy is widely regarded as one of the best analysts in the sport today and is a regular commentator on UFC broadcasts.
Hardy is also highly respected for his work as a coach and mentor, helping young fighters to develop their skills and reach their potential.
On the 16th of March 2023, Dan Hardy joined the Professional Fighters League as Head of Fighter Operations of PFL Europe.
Concluding the Legacy of Dan Hardy
Dan “The Outlaw” Hardy is a true British pioneer of the UFC.
He had a successful career in the organization, competing against some of the top fighters in the sport.
Although he never won a UFC title, Hardy is widely respected for his toughness and resilience in the Octagon, and for his contributions to the sport as a whole.
Today, Hardy continues to be a passionate advocate for martial arts and a respected voice in the sport.
He is an inspiration to young fighters everywhere, although Dan Hardy’s career in the UFC may have been hindered by his heart condition, it remains a memorable and successful one.
His legacy as “The Outlaw” lives on in the UFC and in the hearts of fans around the world.
Image Credit Dan Hardy Instagram
