Imagine being Dan Hardy; 31-years-old, over the four-fight losing streak that plagued your mind for the better part of two years with two back-to-back impressive wins, then you take your physical and like the snap of fingers, it’s all gone. All of it. Dan Hardy has Wolff-Parkinson-white (not the syndrome, just the pattern), which is basically a heart defect that has never affected Hardy before, and maybe never will, but to put it simply: he has two heart beats, and that’s not cool with the UFC or the Athletic Commission.
Due to this diagnosis, California pulls Hardy off UFC on FOX against Matt Brown, now he’s possibly facing retirement or surgery — and he doesn’t want surgery. Rarely do we get to speak with such an honest and candid subject as Dan Hardy, and with his world seemingly about to crash around him, Hardy seems to be taking it all in stride. It could be Hardy’s newfound zen via an ayahuasca retreat, or maybe he’s just willing to roll with the punches — there’s no point in fighting your heart.
Please, sit down with Marcos Villegas and watch eighteen uncut minutes with Dan Hardy talking about his heart and unknown future in the fight game.
I’m just trying to figure out what’s next. I have no pain, no discomfort, so if the choice is to have surgery or not fight again, that’s a tough decision but… I know which way I’m leaning already. I don’t want anyone going in there messing with my heart. It’s done me well for thirty-one years.”
This is a must-watch interview.
