Dan Hardy Talks About Bellator MMA’s Legal Threats
Longtime UFC veteran and current color commentator Dan Hardy has been preparing for a potential return to the Octagon, but now he may also be preparing for a battle in the courtroom.
Hardy made some comments about how the Bellator 170 main event between Tito Ortiz and Chael Sonnen looked like a fixed fight, something that has angered the Viacom owned promotion.
“I think Bellator (officials) know that I wasn’t attacking them directly,” Hardy said to MMA Junkie. “I don’t think they had any kind of involvement. Personally the onus falls on Chael because he just didn’t show up to fight, in my opinion. And I was disappointed for Tito, as well. Obviously he got the win that he wanted, but I think he was disappointed that Chael didn’t give him the fight he’d showed up for. Tito looked in great shape.”
Hardy hasn’t competed in years due to issues with his heart, his last fight came against Amir Sadollah. The one thing that frustrated Hardy about Bellator MMA is how the promotion pushes older fighters over younger fighters.
“The other thing that frustrates me, as well, is Bellator have got so much talent on their roster,” he said. “Why are we watching these old relics battle it out in main events? I want to see the talented fighters that they’ve already got competing. I mean, (Paul Daley vs. Rory MacDonald) is a great fight. What a great fight. (Michael Page), we need to see more of that kid. We need to see him matched up against contenders that we know their status (so) we know where they’re at. I think they’ve got talent on their roster that they need to push more. And I know that they’re trying to bring in their markets with their big old names, but they don’t get the performances out of those big old names, especially with them reaching 40. They’re just not on their game any more.”
The welterweight fighter will be seen next in the commentary booth for the UFC at UFC Fight Night 107, which takes place this March.
