Dan Hardy Posts Statement On UFC Sacking

Earlier this week, reports emerged that Dan Hardy had been sacked from his broadcasting roles with both the UFC and BT Sport. BJPenn.com ran the story, based on a newsletter issued by Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer, which stated that the 38 year old was involved in an incident with a female employee on Fight Island.

Hardy however, was quick to point out that the ‘female’ part of the report was irrelevant.

A tweet then appeared on the social media platform, supposedly from Herb Dean’s wife, accusing Hardy of verbally abusing her. The account for Nattasha Dean however, was removed within hours of the tweet.

UFC, Herb Dean's Wife's Tweet on Dan Hardy

Herb Dean and Hardy had a run in at UFC Fight Island 3 last July, after the Brit accused the referee of not stopping the featherweight matchup between Francisco Trinaldo and Jai Herbert early enough.

“I Have Apologised To The Individual”

Hardy has now made a full statement on his sacking from the UFC. Taking to his Full Reptile website, ‘The Outlaw’ opened up on the incident on Fight Island which saw him lose his job.

“Apologies for my silence on this current situation,” Hardy wrote. “I’m still chasing answers privately, and it’s taking some time. This is what I can say, at this point. It was a verbal disagreement between myself and a member of the UFC staff. It was forthright but not aggressive, and specific to work.

“I have apologised to the individual, for the embarrassment they must have felt, as a small handful of our colleagues from the British media were present. We were taking a brief break from recording UFC 258 content, a few hours after the Holloway – Kattar event had concluded, when the disagreement occurred. The conversation could have definitely taken place in a better location, and under better circumstances.”

“BT Sport Have Not Fired Me”

Hardy would go on to say that he hasn’t been sacked by BT Sport, and that he hasn’t spoken to UFC president Dana White since the incident.

“BT Sport have not fired me, and are still keen on working with me in some capacity,” Hardy clarified. “I’m appreciative of their interest in a continued collaboration. Thank you all for the support in the comments across their accounts. They are paying attention and making efforts, although there is pressure to push me out entirely. The Raptors were quarantined for three weeks in order to attend UFC 259, but had their credentials revoked, so we’re diversifying our content a little, and appreciate your subs and support.

“It has been suggested that a reconciliation between myself and the UFC is possible, and of course, I hope that is the case. I have yet to speak to, or hear from Dana, and get a better understanding of his perspective on the situation. The result of their brief and private investigation has left me with little closure, and hope that at some point I’m able to get more information of what I’ve actually been accused [of].”

Forever A Fan

The former UFC welterweight title challenger concluded his statement by showing his appreciation for all the support he has received.

“I’m forever a fan of the UFC, and dedicated in service of MMA,” Hardy said. “I appreciate all of your kind words and support, both privately and publicly, and have lots of exciting offers to consider.”

In recent weeks, Dan Hardy has called out Matt Brown and Nick Diaz. Although he hasn’t fought since 2012 when he was diagnosed with Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome, he’s hoping to return for one more fight.

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