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A UFC legend has been “fired” by the MMA promotional company and one of its television partners according to a report by Wrestling Observer. Dan Hardy, 38, is a former UFC welterweight contender who worked for the UFC and BT Sport as an analyst. According to journalist Dave Meltzer, Hardy is alleged to have argued with a “female employee” during one of the UFC’s recent shows on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. According to the same report, Hardy was fired over the alleged incident by both the UFC and BT Sport.
Hardy did not immediately confirm the report, but one of his latest tweets had been read by many on social media as a response to his recent employment change and the issue that caused it.
Hardy posted, “There is nothing more insulting, than to have your integrity questioned by someone with questionable integrity.”
You can see that post below.
There is nothing more insulting, than to have your integrity questioned by someone with questionable integrity.
Hardy Confirms Report, Disagrees With Wording
Eventually, Hardy issued a response to the report.
The UFC legend disagreed with the wording around the matter but went on to confirm there had been a “disagreement” and that he was “no longer working directly with the UFC”.
Hardy posted, “Rather misleading headline there, @bjpenndotcom… Not entirely accurate either. I am no longer working directly with the UFC. The ‘female’ part is irrelevant. It was a disagreement over an opportunity missed, or withheld, and I’d love some answers but can’t get any.”
Moreover, Hardy believes the wording in some of the initial reports suggested there was some kind of sexual misconduct rather than a simple disagreement. Hardy posted, “not cool at all”.
@burgerbread1 @bjpenndotcom Not cool at all
Hardy challenged Nick Diaz to a comeback fight recently, but now it’s unclear where he would stand as a competitor with the UFC after no longer working with the company.
Original Report Claims Hardy Was ‘Fired’
The MMA Opinion captured the important snippet of news from Meltzer’s most recent Wrestling Observer newsletter and posted it on social media. You can see all of that info below.
Meltzer’s newsletter says: “Dan Hardy, 38, was fired by both the UFC and BT Sport as an announcer over an issue in Abu Dhabi where he got into an argument with a female employee. He then issued a challenge to Nick Diaz…”
Meltzer goes on to explain that he doesn’t expect to see Hardy back inside the Octagon anytime soon due to medical issues.
Hardy hasn’t fought in the UFC since 2012.
Reactions To Hardy’s Departure
The MMA Report’s Jason Floyd noticed something over the last month that seemed to escape most people’s attention. The podcaster posted, “I take in a lot of UFC digital content, but one of my favorites videos they produced is Inside The Octagon. It was clear there was an issue with Dan Hardy as Lauro Sanko had been doing them with John Gooden since last month.”
I take in a lot of UFC digital content, but one of my favorites videos they produced is Inside The Octagon. It was clear there was an issue with Dan Hardy as Lauro Sanko had been doing them with John Gooden since last month
Meanwhile, BJPenn’s Adam Martin expressed his displeasure over the news about Hardy. Martin posted, “I liked Dan Hardy as a UFC commentator. Liked him as a fighter, too, and this news is so disappointing.”
I liked Dan Hardy as a UFC commentator. Liked him as a fighter, too, and this news is so disappointing.
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