Mohawks, music, and GSP: an interview with Dan Hardy

The trademark red mohawk, the love of punk music and fast cars, his non-apologetic attitude toward doubtful viewers skeptic of his fighting abilities, fans either love him or love to hate him…he’s UFC welterweight competitor Dan “the outlaw” Hardy.

Dan’s comical approach to interviews and being in the public eye has fans always curious if he’s serious or just good at being a showman. For example, while some may interpret Hardy presenting Mike Swick with a “runner-up trophy” at the UFC press conference as arrogant, the rest of the viewers found it be exactly what is was….funny. MMA is no stranger to “trash talk”, Tito Ortiz sported a tee with a “Run Forrest Run” slogan across the back at UFC 106, so in many ways Dan is just playing the game. Most fans would be surprised to learn that while Dan has a “punk image” in the cage, he isn’t one for being in bars all the time, he’s committed to his girlfriend Elizabeth and publically defended the sport of MMA in a hilarious online debate regarding UK writer Guy Adams’ column that can be seen here.

Throughout 2009 his fame has grown rapidly as he went from being followed in his native England as an MMA fighter, now to drawing a huge fan base when he fights in the States. Hardy began by taking up Tae Kwon Do at six years old following through to obtain his Black Belt, he embarked on training with Shaolin Monks in 2002 while in China learning the importance of strong grappling skills. He has a purple belt in Jui-Jitsu and proven Muay Thai strengths.

Dan is riding the wave of his last bout- a victory over Mike “Quick” Swick in the UFC 105 event held in November, providing him with his seventh straight win. His record is 23-6 (1 no contest) with his next match expected to be the highly controversial title shot against GSP in the UFC welterweight division. He relies on his trainers at Rough House Gym and 10th Planet Jui-Jitsu to take him to the next level where he trains and resides in Nottingham, England.

I inquired about everything from the punk hair, to his reaction regarding Josh Koshcheck’s comments (that he should be the one next to fight GSP) and of course about his outlook on GSP and I can say he lives up to his image, he was candid and entertaining with his answers…

Here’s the interview with Hardy’s responses in bold.

First off, congrats on your Swick win, I’m assuming he kept your “runner up” trophy?

I am guessing so!

Josh Koshcheck had some comments after his bout obviously regarding you being “the chosen one” for a future title shot with GSp. He then went on in a post-fight interview to say that he actually likes you and was less aggressive in his demeanor, were his comments during UFC 106 just for show? How would you feel about fighting Josh?

I haven’t seen any interviews where he is being even remotely nice to me! All of his comments have been pretty disrepectful, but that’s cool. I understand that I am in a place where he would like to be but it’s not my fault he is inconsistant in his last few fights. I’m sure one day our paths will cross and he will gets what’s coming to him.

We all know you’re a huge fan of music, what do you usually listen to that gets you going to train?

It changes from week to week. This week I am listening to the new Casualities album “We are all we have” and I’m also listening to “Infected Ntions” by Evile.

Watching you fight is quite entertaining, if your opponent connects with a punch you smile at them….is this done on purpose or is it just a reaction?

It’s not something I’m usually aware of, I guess it’s the expression that goes with my thoughts at the time. I usually think something like “You thought you could hurt me , didn’t you?” and the smile comes with that.

The Ultimate Fighter show, is this something you would consider or enjoy if you were chosen to appear on as a coach?

I would love it, yes. I enjoy coaching and it is someothing I am looking forward to doing after I retire.

You respect GSP, but you aren’t intimidated by him. In your quest to win a title fight with him what is your biggest skill that will aide in your plan to defeat him?

The thing that will win me the fight is my mental attitude. To go in there and take the fight to him, pile on the pressure and not let up. I have all the skills I need to beat him now. I will keep improving still, but as I am I can take his belt with the right attitude and gameplan.

Your trademark hair and look, is it to make yourself more recognizable and stand out from the other figthers or have you had this look for awhile?

I have always looked pretty different to everyone else, if I wasn’t a fighter I would still have a mohawk. I keep it red though that’s the only difference. If I wasn’t fighting I would switch the color up a little, but people remember the red so I stick with it.

What would you say your biggest weakness is as a fighter?

I wouldn’t call it a weakness, but I am definitely better at striking than other areas of the game. I’m not very athletic either so I have to work real hard for what I have.

It appears that often you’re misunderstood, you make statements that are sometimes just for comical reasons and the public tends to turn them into “Dan Hardy the gimmick”…what are your thoughts on this?

When you put something out into a public forum it is out of your control. The things I do and say are for my amusement as much as the fans. I’m sure most people see them for what they are but you can’t expect everyone to understand. As long as they are paying attention, I don’t mind!

Where will we see you in ten years? Still competing or will you take up a career in your other interests like music or art?

I definitley think I will get back into music, but I will always be involved in the sport in some capacity. I look forward to opening a gym and teaching other guys. I also plan on doing a lot of travelling.