With a professional record of 20-6, England's Dan "The Outlaw" Hardy burst onto the scene making his UFC debut at UFC 89, defeating veteran Akihiro Gono by split decision. Over the next year, Hardy went on to win his next three fights, including wins over Marcus Davis and Mike Swick, earning him a shot at Georges St. Pierre's welterweight title - the first British fighter in UFC history to fight for a title.
Cage Religion: Dan, first off we just wanted to say thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to talk with us. You started your Taekwondo training at the age of six - how did getting such an early start in the martial arts eventually translate into your MMA training?
Dan Hardy: It was just a natural progression through different styles, always looking for the next challenge. I began with Taekwondo and moved into kickboxing and Muay Thai, then I began training in Jiu Jitsu and competing in grappling tournaments. After a few competitions I decided to try putting it all together and here I am!
CR: What was the defining factor that got you involved with pursuing MMA?
DH: Originally it was because it scared the hell out of me and other martial arts competitions had stopped giving me that feeling. I like the adrenaline rush of a fight and MMA is the biggest rush!
CR: You are considered one of the best trash talkers in MMA today. Were there any guys you took cues from coming up in your career as far as the showman aspect goes?
DH: No, not really. I like athletes that can talk up a storm and compete with a swagger, but anyone with a sharp tongue is always entertaining. My trash talking is just from growing up around football teams and watching them interact with each other, always talking trash and playing pranks on each other.
CR: You burst onto the scene here in the States after signing with the UFC just two short years ago, winning four straight in the octagon. Did you ever imagine that in such a short time, you would be main eventing a pay-per-view, challenging for a welterweight title?
DH: Definitely not! I was fortunate enough to get the right fights at the right time and be successful. I knew I would get there one day, and I know I will again - leaving with the belt this time though!
CR: You made history at UFC 111 by becoming the first British fighter to challenge for a UFC title. Can you put into words how that feels?
DH: Not as good as it would feel being the first British champion!
CR: Leading up to UFC 111, we saw on the UFC Countdown shows on Spike TV that you were training with Matt Serra, one of only two men to have ever beaten Georges St. Pierre. What kind of insight did you gain from training with him?
DH: Matt is a great coach and a very skilled fighter. That time spent with him and his guys was invaluable to the fight and I will be going back to train with him again. He has been around the sport a long time and fought the best guys around. That kind of experience is great and I was fortunate enough to spend some time learning from him. He knew where the fight would take place and what types of things GSP would be looking for, so we drilled the hell out of them!
CR: By the time the gate closed behind you at UFC 111, you were considered by many to be a heavy underdog. How heavily does something like that weigh on you mentally before a fight?
DH: I love it! If I ever go into a fight no being the underdog, I'm not as excited. I always want to be fighting guys that are ranked higher than me or considered better. That way I have more to gain by beating them.
CR: During the fight there were times where Georges looked to have had you in serious danger with his armbar and kimura attempts, looking almost shocked that you weren't tapping. Did the thought ever cross your mind to tap and if so, how close were you?
DH: No, the submissions were tight but I was confident I could escape and wasn't too concerned with the consequences if I didn't. That along with my stubbornness kept me from giving up. The way I see it, I came to either win or get my ass kicked, not give up.
CR: Is there any victory in the sense that you went the distance with Georges St. Pierre when many counted you out, withstanding everything Georges threw your way?
DH: It gives me a little confidence and also lets the rest of the division know that if they step in there with me, they are in for a long night! There are always positives but losing sucks, regardless of how it happened. I am just thankful that the fans appreciate my efforts even though I came up short.
CR: How would you see a rematch with Georges going? What would you do differently this time around?
DH: Right now, I doubt it would be much different. I would be more aggressive but I need to work on my wrestling and my ground game before a rematch. He wouldn't risk his belt by striking with me, he is too sensible for that. Next time I'll be able to take the fight from him anywhere - standing or on the ground.
CR: Dan, you gained a tremendous amount of respect from the MMA community by showing a ton of heart in your last fight. During the post-fight interview, the crowd was cheering louder for you than the reigning champion. What's next for Dan Hardy?
DH: I'm not sure yet, I'm healing a few minor injuries I have accumulated over the past couple of years and working on my technique. I want to come back with a bang so I may focus for a little while before I start my journey back to the belt.
CR: Is there anything you want to plug or say to the fans before we get going?
You can check Dan "The Outlaw" Hardy out at:
Myspace: www.myspace.com/DanHardy82
Twitter: www.twitter.com/DanHardyMMA
Official Website: www.DanHardyMMA.com
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