Hardy: A Chance to Sit on the Throne
Dan Hardy is now the new No. 1 contender for the welterweight title. The victory of this British fighter over Mike Swick at UFC 105 has earned him the opportunity to fight against the champion Georges St-Pierre to earn the title. Hardy is now having a seven-fight winning streak and his record so far in UFC is an astonishing 4-0; no wonder UFC President Dana White believes the Briton’s latest victory proved he has the metal to be the next champion. Since he entered UFC in the late 2008; Hardy, with his charisma and fighting style, immediately became the next big prospect for the organization.
Prior to UFC 105, two of Hardy’s three wins in the octagon were caused by narrow and controversial split decisions. But at the same time, his 69-second drubbing of Rory Markham in the early months of this year proved the fighter’s knockout power. White expressed his deep respect for Mike Swick; “Mike Swick is a very good fighter”, as the reporters found him saying. But as Hardy has beaten a top level fighter like Swick, Dana believes it will be unjust not to give the Briton a chance now.
The decision has certainly raised a few eyebrows. But no matter what the pundits think, it certainly is a marketable fight in the overseas. UFC 105 has proved to be a great success in the European circuit. This match will attract the European crowd as it bears a crowning opportunity for Hardy. If he wins, he will be the first ever UFC Champion from UK which will surely boost the organization’s European division. Dana, however, believes this match is based more on merit than marketing. Hope he says the truth!
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