News of former UFC commentator and fighter Dan Hardy's promotional release came as a surprise to many. The 38-year-old was hugely popular amongst fans, not only for his colour-commentary but for his work on the UFC's Youtube channel.
When it came to breaking down fights, Hardy was the UFC's go to guy. Nonetheless, they decided to part ways earlier this week, and the manner in which it happened seems rather inconspicuous.
The news first broke from a report by The Wrestling Observer. Dave Meltzer, longtime MMA and Pro-Wrestling journalist, claimed Hardy had a 'disagreement' with a female employee who worked for the UFC.
Hardy parting ways with the UFC also includes his work with BT Sport. According to the report, it doesn't affect Hardy's contract as a fighter, although his return to competition remains undetermined.
After news emerged, Hardy was quick to respond on Twitter to articles documenting his release. One MMA website had worded it to make out the argument with the female employee was more than verbal, and that he had been fired. Hardy disputed this claim in a tweet:
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. https://t.co/OWN3huP8Pe— Dan Hardy (@danhardymma) March 7, 2021
The author of the article later apologised and changed the wording. It's not the first argument Hardy has got into on Fight Island. Last year, Hardy was involved in a back-and-forth with referee Herb Dean over a stoppage involving Jai Herbert at Fight Island 3.
What does the future hold for the popular analyst? Chances are a number of MMA promotions will be gunning for his signature. For now, he's uploading his analysis on his own Youtube channel. In a later tweet, Hardy added:
I’m doing just fine, and am not going anywhere. I’ll still be breaking fights down on my channel, and elsewhere... I’m here in service of MMA, and sometimes that puts you on the other side of the line. I’m fine with that.
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