"I bring vicious striking that will cause injury or unconsciousness to anyone within reach and if it hits the ground, I'll tie you up and choke you out; and if you make it to the final bell, you will need a few weeks to recover," stated rising welterweight Dan "The Outlaw" Hardy as he talked about his recent signing with the UFC. Check out what he had to say about his future plans and much more.
PC: How's it going Dan?
DH: Good. Thanks mate.
PC: You just signed a contract to fight in the UFC. How does that feel man?
DH: It feels good. I feel fortunate to be in a position where I can test myself against the best fighters in the world and prove to all the haters that I am for real.
PC: The UFC has one of the most stacked welterweight divisions in the world. How pumped are you to start mixing it up with those guys?
DH: It's a great opportunity for me to step onto the world stage and move forward with my career. There's only so far you can go in the MMA world without being in the UFC and if you look at the rankings, you can see this. Almost everyone above me is either fighting for the UFC or has in the past.
PC: What do you feel the biggest difference will be fighting in the States as opposed to the UK?
DH: I think the exposure for me personally will be great because MMA is appreciated more in the States. I'm looking forward to fighting on a show in front of millions of viewers; that would be an awesome adrenaline rush.
PC: Was this something that was in the makings or did you get a call out of the blue with an offer to fight in the UFC?
DH: It had been something that was offered to me in the past, but at that time, I wasn't ready for the UFC and the UFC wasnt ready for me. In my past few fights, I have moved forward with my game and now I feel like it's the right time to start collecting some UFC fighter's scalps for my record.
PC: For the fans that never got a chance to see you fight, what skills do you bring to the table?
DH: I bring vicious striking that will cause injury or unconsciousness to anyone within reach and if it hits the ground, I'll tie you up and choke you out; and if you make it to the final bell, you will need a few weeks to recover.
PC: Do you have a particular welterweight in mind to fight or are you just anxious to get in there?
DH: I don't mind. Everyone in the UFC brings new challenges so I welcome all comers. There are a few guys that would be fun matchups for me, but I'm not in a position to be calling shots so I'll leave that to the guys in charge.
PC: How does it make you feel to be known as one of the most exciting fighters in Europe?
DH: It's an honor as Europe has some great fighters and even to be considered one of the most exciting is great. I just go out there and try to put guys to sleep and if people enjoy watching me do it, then I'm real lucky!
PC: Do you plan on staying in Europe or would you eventually like to move over here?
DH: Well, I'm in the process of moving myself over there at the moment. My girlfriend lives in LA so I want to be closer to her too. I just need to get a few things sorted out, then I'll be a regular pain in the ass for the guys at Legends and Xtreme Couture.
PC: Who are some of your favorite fighters to watch in the UFC?
DH: There are so many, it's difficult to choose. Of course Anderson Silva is great to watch and we have a similar style so it's good to see what techniques he uses. I like the tenacity of guys like Guida and Tyson Griffin and the well-roundedness of GSP and Fitch.
PC: I wish you the best of luck my man. I look forward to seeing you in the Octagon. Is there anything you would like to say in closing?
DH: Thanks mate. Just want to thank everyone that helps me out. All of Team Rough House, Nathan Leverton, Owen Comrie, Eddie Bravo and the 10th Planet Guys, Xtreme Couture and of course my family and my girl.
[ Follow Percy Crawford on Twitter @MrLouis1ana ]