Dan Hardy and Diego Sanchez
Dan Hardy will make his return to fighting after almost a decade inside the boxing ring against fellow MMA veteran Diego Sanchez
MMA Fighting broke out the news first suggesting that a boxing match between MMA veterans Dan Hardy and Diego Sanchez has been set for 2nd July at the AO Arena in Manchester, England. The bout is scheduled for a card headlined by a fight between Ricky Hatton and Marco Antonio Barrera.
The bout will be deemed as an exhibition match with eight, two-minute rounds. In addition, the promotion that set up the fight told MMA Fighting that both fighters will appear at a news conference that will take place on Sunday.
Hardy has hinted at a return to fighting, most recently offering to fight Tyron Woodley in an exhibition match. The UFC veteran has been one of the most reliable and deeply insightful sources for MMA fans leading up to big fights.
As for Sanchez, he has been fighting in Khabib Nurmagomedov’s promotion Eagle FC, where he already has one bout against Kevin Lee under his belt.
Dan Hardy is a veteran of the sport who has fought in promotions like Cage Force and Cage Warriors, before signing a contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship in 2008. A former CWFC welterweight champion, Hardy was known for his explosive fighting style and flamboyant red mohawk.
He entered into the UFC with a record of 19 wins and 6 losses. Hardy’s first fight inside the UFC octagon came against Akihiro Gono, a fight that he won via split decision. After winning four straight fights, he would land the opportunity to fight for the title against MMA legend GSP at UFC 111. Hardy lost the fight via unanimous decision.
Dan Hardy’s record inside the UFC stands at 6 wins and 4 losses.
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