Frank Mir to fight Antoni Hardonk at UFC Fight Night 9

by MMAmania.com on Feb 13, 2007 10:11 AM EST Comment 15 comments

frank mir fat
It seems as though the former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir (9-3) is getting another shot to prove he still belongs in the Octagon.

According to MMAWeekly.com and other sources, Mir is tentatively scheduled to fight Antoni Hardonk (5-2) at UFC Fight Night 9 on April 5 at The Palms in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Hardonk is a K-1 kickboxer from the Netherlands who boasts one UFC win — a knockout of Sherman Pendergarst (8-5) at UFC 65 in November.

Since returning to action last year after a devastating motorcycle accident in 2004, Mir has looked like a shell of his former self. In fact, the 27-year old Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist from Las Vegas is 1-2 since making his comeback and could easily be 0-3.

In his first two fights back against Marcio Cruz (loss) and Dan Christison (win) he looked sluggish and out of shape — completely out of character for a guy who earned a reputation as extremely quick and light on his feet.

His belly was downright hilarious. And, it didn't go unnoticed by UFC President Dana White, who has seemed nothing but frustrated since making the "big" announcement that Mir was coming back.

In his most recent fight against Brandon Vera at UFC 65, however, Mir looked much better. But, the results were once again disappointing — a loss via technical knockout in round one.

Who knows if we're ever going to see the "old" Frank Mir ever again. I certainly hope so, but I gave up all hope after the Vera loss.

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Comments

I coined the phrase “Mir Gut” based on that showing. It’s over for Frank. It’s been over for a long time. A shame too because I like the guy as a fighter and as a personality.

by Jesse on Feb 13, 2007 10:50 AM EST reply actions

HA!

by Ed on Feb 13, 2007 11:10 AM EST reply actions

THAT ACTUALLY LOOKS LIKE MIR. WTF HAPPENED TO HIM? I HAVE ALSO GIVEN UP. I SAY LET HIM FIGHT HEATH HERRING FOR THE RIGHT TO STAY IN THE UFC. BOTH GUYS ARE DISAPPOINITNG AND THE DIVISION HAS PASSED THEM BY — MAKE WAY FOR THE NEW BLOOD!!! I HOPE HARDONK KICKS HIM RIGHT IN HIS “MIR GUT” AND GRAVY STARTS LEAKING FROM HIS BELLY BUTTON, OR TWINKIES FLY OUT HIS ASS!

by Ed on Feb 13, 2007 11:13 AM EST reply actions

I think it’s time to hang up the gloves and focus on a career in commentary. He’s pretty good at it, a little biased, but well spoken.

by Nate on Feb 13, 2007 11:42 AM EST reply actions

i hope Mir suprises everyone. He’s an awesome guy and he is very good for the UFC..i just hope he remembers how to fight

by MMA Dude on Feb 13, 2007 11:46 AM EST reply actions

Mir is washed-up. He’s had a look of fear and resignation on his face in his last three fights. Hardonk will crush Mir.

by Erhardt on Feb 13, 2007 1:12 PM EST reply actions

Nate thats a good Mir has pretty good voice for commenataing but he kind of drags on way his sentences.

by jason bang on Feb 13, 2007 1:28 PM EST reply actions

I think that Mir’s best days are well behind him. To be honest w/you, I think that having him fight Brandon Vera in UFC 65 was and should’ve been his last shot to prove that he belongs in the UFC. I mean,what better way to comeback and beat one of the top heavyweight contenders in the UFC by defeating Brandon Vera. Unfortunately, he didnt beat Vera and that simply proved that his best days are well behind him. But I agree w/nate that perhaps commentating wouldnt be a bad career option.

by KO Hex on Feb 13, 2007 1:40 PM EST reply actions