Dan Hardy eyes UFC return at lightweight

Former UFC welterweight title contender turned UFC analyst, Dan Hardy, had his career unfortunately cut short after being diagnosed with ‘Wolf Heart’ syndrome back in 2013.

Hardy was in the midst of a 2-fight win streak which saw him KO striking phenom Duane ‘Bang’ Ludwig, and pick up a unanimous decision win over submission ace Amir Sadollah. Hardy was then booked to fight ‘The Immortal’ Matt Brown, however was forced to pull out of the bout and retire from MMA after the diagnosis of his heart condition.

The condition causes the affected person’s heart to begin beating at a rapid pace of several hundred beats per minute without warning, and could lead to lightheadedness, breathing troubles, and even a loss of consciousness.

Fortunately, the condition can be treated, and it appears as though Hardy is ready to return to the Octagon nearly 3 years after being diagnosed with the condition. He spoke on UFC Tonight:

“I have a few fights left on my contract. I need to get cleared by a doctor and I’m in the process of getting cleared. I’d just jump in for some fun fights. I’m a lot lighter than I used to be. I’m closer to walking on the scales at 170. I fought twice at 160 and it was a comfortable weight for me. I was always so much quicker and agile when I was lighter. I think 155 would be better for me now. I’m not interested in belts. I’d like to be challenged and tested by people I look up to.”

The UFC lightweight division is arguably more stacked now than it has ever been in the past. While Eddie Alvarez is rumored to fight Conor McGregor at UFC 205 in New York in November, there are several top contenders who could stylistically make for interesting fights with Hardy, who is an incredibly talented striker.