Dan Hardy Requests Release from UFC Fighter Contract

Dan Hardy worked as an analyst for the UFC and commentator, but that all changed this past March, when it was reported that the promotion would no longer be using him in that capacity after he had a “disagreement” with an employee on “Fight Island” in January of this year.

Hardy also had an altercation with referee Herb Dean in July 2020, which might have factored into his release. However, now it seems Hardy wants to be done with UFC completely. While speaking to Submission Radio, Hardy revealed that he requested his release from the UFC as a fighter as well.

“The only thing that’s happened is I’ve asked two different people for my release from the UFC. 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.”

Hardy revealed that he has an interest in fighting in Japan, but that will not be possible as long as he is under contract with the UFC.

“I mean, I’d love to fight in Japan. 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.

“And different options, not even just MMA. I’ve got other things that I would consider, as well. The world’s much bigger than I actually realized, I think. So, now I’ve started looking at these other organizations and different weight classes, as well. I mean, I could jump into some of these at middleweight and light heavyweight and fancy my chances. We’ll see what happens.”

We will have to wait and see when Hardy will be granted his release so that he can fulfil his dreams of competing in Japan and wherever else Hardy wants.