After an unceremonious exit from the UFC, British MMA legend Dan Hardy has found a new home with the PFL.
In a press release issued today, the PFL (Professional Fighters League) announced that Hardy is to join the organisation as the Head of Fighter Operations for PFL Europe, ahead of their inaugural season later this month.
As part of his new role, Hardy will play a key part in the wellbeing and development of fighters, as well as identifying local talent and working closely with the global PFL President of Fighter Operations, Ray Sefo, on all matching decisions. Hardy will also act as the voice of PFL Europe Broadcasting, providing expert analysis and fight predictions for the PFL’s first international league.”
Now a veteran of both the cage and commentary booth, “The Outlaw” will look to recruit mixed martial arts talent across the UK and Europe and assist in making signings to the PFL’s ever growing roster. As a lifelong martial artist and former UFC title challenger, the organisation believes his accolades make him the perfect candidate for the role.
Hardy brings nearly two-decades of professional MMA experience to the PFL. During his illustrious career Hardy took on some of the biggest names in the sport and recorded an incredible 20 pro wins, making him widely regarded as one of the finest mixed martial artists that Europe has ever produced.
“Since his retirement from competition, Hardy has become one of the most respected figures in the world of MMA, renowned for his exemplary commentary and razor-sharp fight breakdowns.”
Unusual findings in a pre-fight medical forced him to pull out of a fight against Matt Brown in 2013. Hardy was then diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome – a common heart condition that causes the heart to beat abnormally fast for periods of time. This condition meant that UFC would not give him clearance to fight, forcing him to sideline his fighter career seemingly indefinitely.
He did however find a home on the UFC broadcast team, commentating alongside the likes of John Gooden and Paul Felder up until 2021 when he was released from his role, as well as his fighter contract.
Now playing an even larger role in the realm of European MMA, Hardy believes that the PFL will provide plentiful opportunity for up and coming fighters.
I’m excited to be taking on the role as Head of Fighting Operations for PFL Europe. This will allow me to bring together the best MMA prospects from around the region, and give each of them an opportunity to establish themselves as world class talent.”
“PFL Europe will bring stability to the opportunities available to European MMA athletes, and i’m honoured to be able to play a role in that process” said Hardy.”
The PFL plans to hold quarterly events in Europe throughout the year of 2023, starting in Newcastle on March 25th at the Vertu Motors Arena, an event that will be headlined by Simeon Powell vs. Mohamed Amine.