In his five fights in the UFC, welterweight contender Dan Hardy (23-7) has often shown off his striking skills, but at UFC 120 in London on Oct. 16, Hardy hopes to put his ground game on display against Carlos Condit (25-5).
Hardy readily admits that his grappling let him down in his title challenge against Georges St. Pierre at UFC 111, costing him a five-round decision loss to the current champion. It’s something he’s determined not to let happen again.
“I think anybody watching the fight, it’s pretty obvious. I mean, my wrestling wasn’t up to scratch, and my offensive Jiu Jitsu wasn’t there,” Hardy said of his fight with St. Pierre during a recent UFC media call. “You know, I couldn’t threaten him on the ground at all and I could hardly get back to my feet.”
Since then, Hardy has focused on improving his Jiu Jitsu and working with different wrestling coaches to prevent anyone else from dictating where the fight goes.
“I certainly think I’m well on the way. I mean, it’s something that’s going to constantly need improvement,” he said.
Against someone as aggressive as Condit — who has only needed the help of the judges’ scorecards once in his 25 wins — Hardy should have the opportunity to engage in the type of stand-up war that he loves to put on for the fans. However, he’s also confident that he can submit Condit and prove that he isn’t one-dimensional.
“If it’s up to me, I’d just stand on the Bud Light logo right in the middle of the Octagon and throw punches,” Hardy said. “I’m confident with my power and with my chin, so, you know, if that’s the way this fight goes, then I’m all for it. But, you know … I’ve been working out on my wrestling, my Jiu Jitsu … so don’t be surprised if I take him down and put him to sleep.”
Hardy winning by submission would surprise me.