Dan Hardy

By FCF Staff

After being fired from his commentating duties with the UFC broadcast team, Dan Hardy’s reporting he’s asked the promotion to release him from his fighter contract as well.

The 38-year-old was dismissed from his broadcasting role earlier this year, following a reported argument with a UFC employee. Hardy, who hasn’t fought since 2012, has been talking about making a comeback for some time now.

While speaking with Submission Radio recently, the British fighter reported the following (quotes via MMA Junkie).

“The only thing that’s happened is I’ve asked two different people for my release from the UFC,” Hardy said. “Because obviously with one contract coming to an end, it makes sense for me to leave with my fight contract, as well. So, I’m currently trying to get my release from the UFC so I can start looking at other places. I’ve got a few ideas and a few options that I’d like to consider, but getting a hold of someone (has been hard). I might have to recruit Joshua Fabia to get someone’s attention at some point.”

And, while discussing where he’d like to complete, Hardy said this.

“I mean, I’d love to fight in Japan,” Hardy said. “I’ve always been a big fan of Japan. You know, RIZIN. ONE Championship are doing amazing things. I actually think that would be a great place for Diego (Sanchez) to go. They’ve got Shinya Aoki floating around there that’s, what, got 47 wins on his record? I’d like to see Diego against Aoki. That’d be an interesting one. But as soon as that UFC door closed, so many other doors opened.”

Hardy’s fighting career was shelved after the former welterweight challenger was diagnosed with Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome, a rare heart condition. Hardy has since reported he’s been medically cleared to fight again.