10th Planet Watch – 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Van Nuys Blog

Monday, October 13, 2008
by Paul Concannon (uk_mma2007@yahoo.co.uk)

Dan Hardy never shirks a challenge.

Based out of Team Rough House, “The Outlaw” will face arguably his stiffest test to date when he makes his UFC debut against colorful Japanese veteran Akihiro Gono at UFC 89 this Saturday at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham, England.

Hardy (19-6), who earlier this year signed a four-fight deal with the UFC, may be a new face to many mixed martial arts fans, but his talents are well respected at home and abroad.

“I’m the kind of fighter that likes to break people down, mixing in fast kicking and fast punching,” he says. “I’m always looking at finishing a fight. I’ll pick people apart and smile at them in the process. When I fight, you know it’s going to be exciting.”

Hardy, a professional since 2004, cut his teeth in the British fight promotion Cage Warriors, where he became a champion at two weights. A black belt in tae kwon do, he holds a victory over Hidetaka Monma and has tested himself against UFC veterans Forrest Petz, Chad Reiner and Yoshiyuki Yoshida.

Training alongside respected fighters like Paul Daley, Andre Winner and Jim Wallhead at the Team Rough House gym has benefited the native of Nottingham, England.

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