For the past few years Dan Hardy has enjoyed the action from cageside. Pretty soon, however, the UFC commentator could be back competing inside the cage.
On a recent episode of the Joe Rogan Experience MMA Show, Hardy (25-10 MMA, 7-4 UFC) dropped the news that he will soon reenter the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency testing pool with the hopes of making a comeback.
“Right now what I’m going to do is get back in the USADA testing pool,” Hardy said. “I have to be in the pool for four months. Once I’m in the pool for four months, then I have the option to fight if I choose to.”
If Hardy was to return, it would be his first bout in more than seven years. Hardy, 37, has not competed in MMA since September 2012, when he defeated Amir Sadollah at UFC on FUEL TV 5. The former UFC title challenger was scheduled to fight Matt Brown in April 2013 but was forced out after being diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome (also known as “Wolf Heart).
After weighing his options, the welterweight fighter decided against surgery (which often corrects the problem). While he’s teased a potential comeback in the past, this is the first time Hardy has indicated specific steps he’ll take to compete once again.
Despite publicly stating he was retired, Hardy never informed the UFC officially. In order to be cleared by USADA, Hardy will have to enter the testing pool. Once he does that, he will have to be routinely tested for four months.
“I’m going to do four months (in the pool), because I’ve never officially retired,” Hardy said.
Since his prognosis came to light, Hardy has been involved with the UFC as one of its color commentators. Calling shows throughout Europe and beyond, Hardy and play-by-play partner John Gooden have been the voices of dozens of UFC events.
Because his location is not constant, Hardy believes his travel schedule poses numerous issues with USADA. However, he stated he has been working with UFC senior vice president of athlete health and performance Jeff Novitsky on figuring out a solution.
“The problem is that I’m on the road all the time,” Hardy said. “The conversation I’ve had with Jeff Novitsky is … I don’t know exactly how it works, but as far as I know you have to give (USADA) three addresses. These are the places you’re most likely to be at.
“And if you’re not at any of those places, you have to let them know where you are. I’m always in a different place.”
Hardy holds wins over the likes of Duane Ludwig, Mike Swick, and Marcus Davis. At UFC 111, Hardy got a crack at then-welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre. Though he didn’t win the bout, Hardy went all five rounds. Hardy is on a two-fight winning streak.
