The UFC must really like Dan Hardy a lot. After some fans had a problem keeping the British fighter after four straight losses (For the welterweight title against Georges St. Pierre and then to Carlos Condit, Chris Lytle and Anthony Johnson), the Brit rebounded with a big knockout win over Duane Ludwig and was set to make his way back up the 170 pound chain. And then a heart condition derailed him to the point where it looks like his fight career is over.
Hardy is now transitioning to the booth as he’ll join veteran play-by-play man John Gooden as part of the UFC Fight Pass team. He’ll be providing color commentary in the role Joe Rogan and Kenny Florian provide during events. Cage announcer Andy Friedlander will be joining them, as well, as they were announced at a presentation Friday at Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas to assembled media.
“It’s really the same stuff I’ve been doing for years as a fighter,” Hardy told MMA Junkie. “You watch the DVDs and you analyze the guys and discuss them with your teammates and coaches. I’m doing the same thing but discussing it with a co-commentator. Fortunately, he’s a UFC nerd as well, so we got on really well.”
Hardy did tell MMA Junkie that he was still trying get cleared by doctors so he could resume his fighting career.
