UFC 111: Dan Hardy “A Punchers Chance”

Dan Hardy gets a title shot facing Georges St-Pierre in UFC 111's main event

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Dan Hardy comes into his UFC 111 championship fight as the underdog, the villain, or better yet, “The Outlaw.” Questions have risen about the UFC’s decision to give Hardy a title opportunity after only four fights against questionable opponents. The bottom line, however, is whatever way that he has made it to the top; he knows that he is one well-timed punch away from shedding all of those labels and answering all the critics’ questions.

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In his UFC debut, the UFC handed “The Outlaw” established veteran Akihiro Gono. The bout went back-and-forth with Hardy eventually squeezing out the split decision victory. In his next bout, Hardy was matched up with another talented striker in Rory Markham. It wasn’t much of a striker’s battle after Hardy finished his opponent within the 1st round.

Shortly after defeating Markham, Hardy used his striking to outpoint Marcus Davis in another split decision victory. Standing at 3-0 in the UFC, he then stepped way up when he faced Mike Swick at UFC 105 in what was billed as the #1 welterweight contenders’ bout. Hardy came out and executed his game plan walking away winner via unanimous decision bringing his record to a perfect 4-0 inside the octagon.

Not only did his November UFC 105 victory earn him a title shot but it also earned him respect and credibility. Needless to say, a victory over GSP would put him in a class that he has never been in his career.

On the ground its simple, GSP should be in total control using his world class wrestling and ground and pound ability developed over the years. However, the fight needs to get there first. All fights begin in the standing position and if Hardy can get to GSP and test his questionable chin, the fight may not have the opportunity to get to the ground.

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In reality, it’s a long shot for Hardy that he will overcome all of the obstacles to become the new welterweight champion. He does have the fact that he has been the underdog in almost all of his UFC bouts so far meaning that he is used to being the underdog and comfortable with that label. If no one else is going to favor him, Hardy himself, knows that he has a punchers chance if nothing else.

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By Nick Russell
ProFighting-fans.com Senior MMA Staff Writer