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Dan Hardy

Dan Hardy is an English former mixed martial artist from Nottingham who competed primarily in the welterweight division.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Dan Hardy is an English former mixed martial artist from Nottingham who competed primarily in the welterweight division. He fought professionally from 2004 to 2012 and became a UFC welterweight title challenger in 2010. After retiring, he worked as a commentator and analyst for MMA coverage.

Early life and background

Dan Hardy was born in Nottingham, England, on 17 May 1982. Public profiles identify him as an English fighter who developed his career through the UK MMA scene.

Mixed martial arts career

Hardy began his professional MMA career in 2004 and competed in several promotions before joining the UFC in 2008. His record and fighter profiles list 25 wins, 10 losses, and 1 no contest.

UFC title challenge

Hardy earned a UFC welterweight title shot against Georges St-Pierre in 2010. He lost the bout by decision, which remained one of the defining moments of his career.

Post-fighting work

After leaving active competition, Hardy became known for MMA analysis and commentary. Media profiles describe him as a prominent commentator and analyst in the sport.

Key facts

  • Hardy was a professional MMA fighter who competed mainly at welterweight.
  • He signed with the UFC in 2008 after earlier fights in promotions including Cage Warriors and Cage Force.
  • In 2010, he challenged Georges St-Pierre for the UFC Welterweight Championship and lost by decision.
  • His UFC profile lists him as no longer fighting.
  • He was associated with Team Rough House during his career.
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Canadian context

Dan Hardy is relevant to Canadian readers because he fought Georges St-Pierre, one of Canada’s most prominent MMA athletes, in a UFC title bout.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Dan Hardy?
Dan Hardy is an English former mixed martial artist best known for competing in the UFC welterweight division.
What was Dan Hardy’s nickname?
His nickname was "The Outlaw."
What is Dan Hardy’s professional MMA record?
His listed professional record is 25–10–0 with 1 no contest.
Did Dan Hardy fight for a UFC title?
Yes. He fought Georges St-Pierre for the UFC Welterweight Championship in 2010 and lost by decision.
Where is Dan Hardy from?
He was born in Nottingham, England, and is listed as fighting out of Nottingham.

References

  1. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/mma/fighter/_/id/2354205/dan-hardy
    Supports: Birthdate, nickname, division, team, stance, reach.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Hardy
    Supports: Full name, nationality, career start, UFC signing, and title challenge.
  3. UFC — https://www.ufc.com/athlete/dan-hardy
    Supports: Record, status as not fighting, and place of birth.
  4. Tapology — https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/dan-hardy-the-outlaw
    Supports: Professional record, nickname, birthplace, fight weight class, and team.
  5. Square Mile — https://squaremile.com/sport/dan-hardy-interview/
    Supports: Post-fighting commentary and analysis role.