UFC Quick Quote: Marcus Davis convincing himself he can beat Dan Hardy in Germany

by MMAmania.com on Mar 20, 2009 3:18 PM EDT

"Well, his boxing is a strong area of his game but he seems to be having more success with the grappling side of the sport in his last few fights. I wouldn’t say he has any weaknesses in particular, just that I am either as good or better in every range. I’m also younger, faster and better looking!... At about the 60 second mark, he will realize that I have every range covered and the fight is going too fast for him to keep up with. After that, it’s only a matter of time before my hand is raised. He can say what he likes about me, I get the feeling that he is trying to convince himself he can win. If that’s what he needs to do to give me a good fight, then so be it. This fight was asked for by the fans and I’m just happy to be able to give them what they want."

-- Dan Hardy talks to MMAFiend.com about the rivalry between him and Marcus Davis that has blossomed seemingly out of nowhere. "The Outlaw" and the "Irish Hand Grenade" have been tradig barbs since their respective wins at UFC 95: "Sanchez vs. Stevenson" last month. Now the pair are scheduled to resolve their differences at UFC 99 from the Lanxess Arena in Cologne, Germany, on June 13. For more on the war of words click here, here and here. And we're still three months from fight night ...

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Marcus Davis Boxing is very overrated!!!!

He was a pro boxer but only fought bums in local shows. Look at the records of the guys he fought, must were jokes.

Not sure if Hardy can knock him out though, he seems to have a good chin.

by MoonUk on Mar 20, 2009 3:23 PM EDT reply actions

davis really needs a win here or he is going to fade big time, if he cant show that he can take with the tough guys at 170 hes really gonna lose alot of credibility… that being said, i think a little wager on hardy at the right odds is in order

by brendan on Mar 20, 2009 7:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Stop with the talk and agree to keep this standing already. Am really starting to hate these two. Also what brendan said.

by NameNotRequired on Mar 20, 2009 10:27 PM EDT up reply actions

those gentlemans agreements are terrible. most times they don’t stick to them and it’s just bad for the sport in general. davis is a much better fighter when it goes to the ground in my mind and for him to keep it standing to prove his manhood makes no sense if it could cost him a win. He could very well win on the feet but if a fighter has an definitive advantage in one aspect, there is no reason he should stay away from that.

by Crowls on Mar 21, 2009 12:58 AM EDT up reply actions

davis always tries to lure ppl into fighting his fight and it annoys me …. this is why i dont like him anymore

he tries to get them to stand with him and he makes out like he is going to go toe to toe with his opponents and slug it out but he ends up boxing his way to an undeserving SD/UD victory

he says things like. first person to take it to the ground is a pussy. its mma they can go to the ground if they want maybe he is in the wrong sport if he says things like that

he also seems to believe that ppl like him in england … like he is loved … all the people i’ve talked to who are mma fans in england seem to hate him just like me

i really do hope hardy knocks him out

i dont think i’ve ever hated a fighter like i hate davis for a long time

by ufcaddict on Mar 21, 2009 8:16 AM EDT up reply actions

Davis is going to crush this dude.

by Josh H. on Mar 20, 2009 7:42 PM EDT up reply actions

Davis puts this douche bag to sleep in the first round. Any takers?

by TRAVO on Mar 20, 2009 3:23 PM EDT reply actions

you really think Marcus is going to k.o Dan no chance in hell buddy im taking a pillow to Germany with me for Marcus because HE is going to sleep in the first round by (tko) …your the fucxing douche bag for thinking that

by mikemmafan on Mar 20, 2009 6:46 PM EDT up reply actions

honestly dude, fuck you. TRAVO def had no legit reason to call Hardy a douche bag but you are absurd. That is entirely unnecessary. There’s no need for personal attacks when he was just predicting how the fight would go. Unless of course you are Hardy…

by Crowls on Mar 21, 2009 1:00 AM EDT up reply actions

ill take that bet. marcus davis is overated at best. not saying hardy will murder him i dont even like hardy. but i think he will beat davis. ill take hardy by split decision

by day1er on Mar 20, 2009 7:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Nah, I’m goin’ w/the outlaw on this one.

by Syd[a.k.a."The Negation"] on Mar 21, 2009 3:03 AM EDT up reply actions

do you mean dan hardy convincing himself

by roy on Mar 20, 2009 3:23 PM EDT reply actions

yes, this clearly is Hardy convincing himself he can beat Davis, not the other way around.

by RoB on Mar 20, 2009 9:08 PM EDT up reply actions

But it was also mentioned that Davis seems to be convincing himself. But the article title really seems messed up ‘coz it’s really Hardy who’s doin’ the convincing.

by Syd[a.k.a."The Negation"] on Mar 21, 2009 3:09 AM EDT up reply actions

Regardless of if he fought bums, being a pro boxer you have to have legit stand up skills. Should be a good fight, see Marcus taking it though.

Also – thought “this fight was asked for by the fans” was kinda funny considering no one had said anything about them matching up until he called him out after his win. Man up and say you want to fight him cause he’s good. Just my humble opinion.

by WB on Mar 20, 2009 3:26 PM EDT reply actions

The UK fans asked Dan Hardy if he would like to fight Marcus davis before his last fight.

Marcus seems to believe he’s liked in the UK & Ireland and wants to build himself some hype, which to be honest is bull, nobody in the UK likes or dislikes Marcus its just all PR bull.

by MoonUk on Mar 20, 2009 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree. Most people I know, and myself included couldnt care less about Marcus Davis, its just good PR to say hes some pseudo Brit hero. I neither like nor dislike him either. Hes not the only American fighter with Irish roots.
Ill be supporting Hardy all the way!

by UK_Chris on Mar 20, 2009 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Im as AMERICAN as it gets but I root HEAVILY for Dan Hardy, especially in this match up! Hardy is a young BAD ASS, he’s going to get better with each performance. Marcus Davis is a liar who talks a great game about how nobody wants to stand with him and how he will deliver a chris lytle-esque performance, and he never does..I dont need to see slugfest to be entertained, but dont promise them unless you are going to deliver.

I like Hardy a lot.he is a kool ass kat, with tons of skill and potential. Davis is a hard test. HOpefully Hardy passes it and takes another step up the ladder. If he beats Davis its not going to be easy. A war over a UFC vet like Davis, will do wonders for his career.

by john on Mar 20, 2009 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions

Seriously now,Marcus is liked here,Ive been to all uk events he has been at,and was at the Irish event.He has always got a big cheer,except for in birmingham,for obvious patriotic reasons,however was still applauded after victory there.Granted he’s not the biggest star here,but is much more popular than hardy,who will barely get a whimper of support in Germany.last london event before the weigh-in marcus had loads of fans askin for autographs and for pics takin with him,so,in fairness,it not all PR Bull.

by bons on Mar 20, 2009 5:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Casual fans like and know Davis from TUF, but fans who follow and watch MMA other than just the UFC know Hardy from Cage warriors and Cage Force Japan.

I’m guessing all the guys asking for autographs were also wearing tapout or Affliction Tees.

by MoonUk on Mar 20, 2009 5:43 PM EDT up reply actions

Davis and Hardy are both good fighters, but I think Davis has the better stand up. Hardy is pretty quick, so it should be a good fight. I will be rooting for Davis myself.

I consider myself a hardcore fan, and have been training for a long time, but nobody can follow every single organization. I can honestly say I have never seen a Cage Force Japan card. Anyone else besides Moon?

by naturalshadow on Mar 20, 2009 7:19 PM EDT up reply actions

seriously now Hardy is not a bigger name than Davis if that’s what your trying to say.. the majority of all the fans are casual so there’s nothing wrong about that, i’m a casual fan too, mma is not my sport at all..

by RoB on Mar 20, 2009 9:12 PM EDT up reply actions

a win over Rory Markham in 30 seconds doesn’t say a whole lot, we’re gonna see what he’s made of in this fight.. he’s got the heigh/reach advantage in this fight so that’s a good thing but he really should try to take Marcus down as Swick did, cause he probably won’t win a standup war against M.Davis

by RoB on Mar 20, 2009 9:17 PM EDT up reply actions

Rob/Natural: I just think its strange that British guys don’t know much about British fighters. People should try to go local to events like cage warriors or cage rage to support local fighters

by MoonUk on Mar 21, 2009 4:04 AM EDT up reply actions

agreed! but there’s football all the time in the UK as you know.. maybe that’s why ppl chose to not go to local events

by RoB on Mar 21, 2009 9:46 AM EDT up reply actions

I dont think that Davis has as big of an advantage standing as he would like us to believe. I think the world of Hardy’s speed and AMAZING footwork! Hardy isnt that well known to the casual fans, and so far he has come off as a striker…but I really like his ground game. He has some under rated Jits…who does he train jits with?…why do I think, eddie Bravao? correct me if I am wrong.

On papaer, factoring in name recognition…this is a blowout…but In reality, I think its a very close match up. We pretty much have already seen the best Marcus has to offer, and I dont think we have even come close to seeing Hardy unleash his full potential.

Should be a great fight, that is, If Marcus decides to actually fight like a man for once!

by john on Mar 21, 2009 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions

Not when it comes to kickboxing. I’ll kick the legs right out from under a boxer.

by belfort_fan on Mar 20, 2009 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions

well if you went to the q.a. before weigh ins you would know differnt

by mikemmafan on Mar 20, 2009 6:48 PM EDT up reply actions

Dan Hardy is overrated!!! He’s a lil to cocky for only having 2 UFC fights. His win over Gono was his biggest win and his win over Markham is a nice one too, but thing is Markham is a mid-level WW at most. Davis on the other hand has been in there with some of tha best. I don’t think Davis is gonna dominate Hardy, but i think he’ll put off tha win by either tko in tha 2nd or UD.

by Mike-C on Mar 20, 2009 3:31 PM EDT reply actions

Davis has been in there with the best. . . Paul Taylor who almost knocked his ass out, Paul Kelly, both moved down to LW, Swick who make him look like he hadent fought a day in his life, Jess Liaudin, Pete spratt? Shonie> Jason Tan?? Come on the best fighter he has faced is Chris lytle and Chris i thought should have got a split decision.

by belfort_fan on Mar 20, 2009 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions

davis is the over rated one!

by john on Mar 20, 2009 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions

Good move on Hardy’s part, Davis is the better known fighter right now and goading him into a fight like this is going to fast track Hardy up the division ladder if he can pull out the W. Can’t say I’m against either guy here, but I would like to see Dan pull off the win; Davis dropped a couple notch’s in my book for the Lytle fight. Chris was ready to stand and bang, and Davis was just back peddling, not that it wasn’t a good strategy and probably the way to go against a guy with an iron jaw like Lytle, but imo Davis was talkin more sh!t and should of planted his feet and stood toe to toe with Lytle to back it up.

by O damn he got caught on Mar 20, 2009 3:32 PM EDT reply actions

I agree 100% I was big fan of Davis, till that fight you know “it’s going to be the fight that will be talked about for year ………. blah blah blah” I really don’t remember anything from that fight other than Davis refusing to engage with Lytle but in the end win is a win. I really hope Dan KO’s him but I think Dan is talking shit right now too so I guess wait and see is where I’m at.

by TKO on Mar 20, 2009 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions

great posts. totally agree!

by john on Mar 20, 2009 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions

Ah it was by no means a bad fight…Though I do remember Marcus pulling a Tito and running away lol.

Take what all the fighters say with a grain of salt. It’s just prefight hype.

This has the makings of a very entertaining fight.

by RobH86 on Mar 20, 2009 6:29 PM EDT up reply actions

I’d say he pulled a Machida, that guy is running away constantly so nobody ever makes a big deal about it, only when someone that stands in the pocket all the time does it.

by RoB on Mar 20, 2009 9:22 PM EDT up reply actions

RobH: Normally I dont mind the pre game hype…but dont promise us the second coming of Forrets/Bonnar one, if you dont plan on sitting in the pocket and trading. I have no problem with tactical approaches….but dont promise the world, if you have no intentions of delivering! Lytle did his part, he came to bang like I knew he would…Marcus jipped us out of what was supposed to be a great match up! Leave it to marcus to ruin a lytle fight!

by john on Mar 21, 2009 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions

Hardy by decision 29-28.

by UK_Chris on Mar 20, 2009 3:32 PM EDT reply actions

I’ll second that. I’m not betting on this fight though.

by Jeremyjackson on Mar 20, 2009 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Davis by TKO 2nd or UD

by Mike-C on Mar 20, 2009 3:33 PM EDT reply actions

This idea thant Hardy “called him out”, is ridiculous. The british press/fans asked Davis if he would like to fight Hardy; he said yes. Then after Hardy fought, they asked Hardy if he would like to fight Davis; he said yes. That’s it.
It seems a lot of people are trying to take the Bisping hate and transfer it to Hardy.
It’s called hyping a fight, people. Calm down.

by beelz on Mar 20, 2009 3:36 PM EDT reply actions

To me Hardy is a lil bit too cocky for only having 2 UFC fights. His biggest win was over Gono and his win over Markham was nice too, but u gotta remember Markham is a mid-level WW. And on tha other hand Davis has been in there with some of tha best. This should be a good fight, i’m lookin forward to it. War Davis!!!

by Mike-C on Mar 20, 2009 3:37 PM EDT reply actions

by Mike-C on Mar 20, 2009 3:48 PM EDT reply actions

is anyone just expecting an awesome fight

i am :-)

by phenomenal angel on Mar 20, 2009 4:23 PM EDT reply actions

fo shizzle

by brendan on Mar 20, 2009 10:04 PM EDT up reply actions

This kid needs to stop running his mouth. Two wins in the UFC against low-bracket guys and he thinks he’s the next Iceman. Also, no fans I know of wanted this fight at all. It makes no sense and will be a warm-up fight for Marcus before he takes on the next actual contender Joe Silva pairs him up with. London’s calling, Dan, and they’ve got news…. you’re gonna get put to sleep in Germany.

by GG on Mar 20, 2009 4:27 PM EDT reply actions

Nothing against the UK fans…or fighters, but if Dan Hardy is that good, then he’ll work his way up the ranks…. Otherwise he’s just another Junie Browning trying to make a name for himself.

Come out….kick ass….get paid….fight again. There’s other ways to get noticed than coming out with a napkin on your face and talking shit. I swear I’m going to laugh my ass off when he has to take on an Alves, Koschek, Fitch…..save your breath.

Davis via headbutt to the balls…..

by B.J Pennzoil on Mar 20, 2009 4:31 PM EDT reply actions

“Nothing against the UK fans…or fighters, but if Dan Hardy is that good, then he’ll work his way up the ranks…. Otherwise he’s just another Junie Browning trying to make a name for himself. "

Erm, sorry but Im not sure I got what your point is…Isn’t that what hes doing facing Marcus Davis? Most would agree Davis is better than Markham. Therefore working his way up…

by UK_Chris on Mar 20, 2009 5:26 PM EDT up reply actions

There’s a reason why Marcus Davis isn’t fighting for the title….he’s currently a gatekeeper. Make a comment once he beat a top 5 welterweight. Maybe my biggest issue is the fact that he doesn’t have talk crap or be disrespectful to get his point across. Take a look at Michael Bisping and the amount of fight’s under his belt….pay your dues and good things will come, and Hardy can do that with his mouth shut.

by B.J Pennzoil on Mar 20, 2009 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions

But thats the fight game, thats what fighters do. Hardy isnt alone. And why shouldnt he be confident? Why fight in the first place if your sights arent on the champ and the best in the division?

by UK_Chris on Mar 20, 2009 6:44 PM EDT up reply actions

….pay your dues and good things will come, and Hardy can do that with his mouth shut.

There’s just no room for it yet….make your point when he’s in the top 5.

by B.J Pennzoil on Mar 20, 2009 10:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Well he’ll be in the top 10 when he beats Davis. And everyone will have to eat their words.

Heres to a great UFC 99!

by UK_Chris on Mar 21, 2009 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions

Soemthing about Hardy that i just dont like….i hope Davis puts this guy to sleep so he can shut up already!

by Adam on Mar 20, 2009 4:37 PM EDT reply actions

It’s debatable if he’s better looking that Davis. :)

by pud333 on Mar 20, 2009 4:39 PM EDT reply actions

His youtube interview he made himself is pretty funny.

I am pretty sure everyone that Marcus Davis fights, he calls them and says “Ok lets talk a lot of shit to create a huge buzz for this, it will prolong both of our careers, I know how this internet thing works! People will be making threads and commenting on this weeks before the fight!”

by DirtyML on Mar 20, 2009 5:27 PM EDT reply actions

If you said the second part in jest you shouldn’t have. Marcus is smart for doing this kind of thing.

by JB on Mar 20, 2009 7:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Hardy is a cocky brit. He eyes GSP after his win over Markham with a look saying “I’m coming for you”…lol
Davis is gonna knock him out and put him in his place.

by anom on Mar 20, 2009 5:47 PM EDT reply actions

Exactly my point. Dan Hardy came off as a little cocky but after that quip about him looking into GSP’s eyes I just think Hardy is delusional. If he wins another six straight by KO or Sub he can talk about what he sees in GSP’s eyes but he sure can’t do it now. I’ll be rooting for Davis.

by Vulcano on Mar 21, 2009 7:55 AM EDT up reply actions

Hardy thinks he’s cool with his bandana and mohawk. Yah, you are an outlaw! I hope Davis puts him to sleep.

by Jay on Mar 20, 2009 5:49 PM EDT reply actions

How can anyone like this guy anymore?

He said he would put on the best fight ever, go out and bang and he ran almost all the fight in one of the most boring fights ever.

Fck Davis.

by Lester the Pimp on Mar 20, 2009 6:14 PM EDT reply actions

haha good point. I always get suspicious when pre fight guys claim their going to put on fight of the year that everyone is going to remember as a classic. Because 9 out of 10 of these so called ‘fights of the year’ end of being snooze fests.
Davis and Lytle was OK, but it wont be remembered anywhere near to the level they were claiming before the fight.

by UK_Chris on Mar 20, 2009 6:51 PM EDT up reply actions

david kicks ass i havent seen hardy so anything impressive

by knockout scence on Mar 20, 2009 6:19 PM EDT reply actions

Davis is a bullshitter, and one of these dudes who is his own biggest fan.

It kind of pissed me off when he claimed on his myspace page that he was benching over 415 pounds.

I am a strength and conditioning coach, and I jack some heavy weights with some big dudes, and from looking at his physique I fail to understand how the fuck that is possible. 415 is some heavy shit and requires some serious size. I know he’s gotten a lot bigger, but not that much bigger.

315 … for sure.

415? No.

by Jeremyjackson on Mar 20, 2009 6:22 PM EDT reply actions

Davis is good at hyping fights; give credit where it’s due. And to carve himself a niche as an “overseas fighter” is smart; the UFC is expanding and he wants to ensure himself a job.

However, eventually, Davis will need to step up and face contenders again at some point.

I say Hardy sleeps. Early.

by JB on Mar 20, 2009 7:31 PM EDT reply actions

Davis is for sure a tough dude,but I dont think hes been in the ring with some of the greatest yet. He is a midlevel WW. Hardy has shown to be very impressive so far and I believe he is gonna be able to stop Davis in the second round. Anything can happen tho,as we seen with rashad and chuck,gonzaga and cropcop, Bj and vaseline…etc… So I would not be surprised if Marcus gets the one hit and knocks Hardy out…Either way.it promises to be a great war between these two…

by mmasmartass on Mar 20, 2009 7:36 PM EDT reply actions

This is going to be fun to watch.

by shitleTOT.com on Mar 20, 2009 7:58 PM EDT reply actions

u guys know any site I can watch march madness for free I dont feel like paying 29.99

by El Philicutioner on Mar 20, 2009 8:20 PM EDT reply actions

im broke right now

by El Philicutioner on Mar 20, 2009 8:21 PM EDT reply actions

you mean March Badness? I wanna see Lashley kill Guida and his droopy breasts….lol
I hope there is a live stream somewhere…

by anom on Mar 20, 2009 10:12 PM EDT reply actions

This is like a 4th grader calling out the starting point guard on the freshman basketball team to a game of one on one. It’s like Rick Ross trying to take on 50 Cent in a “rap war” or public relations if you will. This just doesn’t add up it’s a cry for attention on Dan Hardy’s part. Marcus Davis is clearly above his pay grade. Quite frankly over the past 3 years I can only name a handful of better 170 lb ers than Davis.

Better (not in any order)
Matt Hughes, GSP, Fitch, Koscheck, Diego Sanchez (while at 170), BJ Penn (while at 170)

NOT Better than Davis
Karo “candy ass crybaby” Parysian, Thiago Alves (flash in pan), Mike Swick, Martin Kampmann, Carlos Condit (WEC Champ), Chris Lytle, Anthony Johnson

by Kevin Kelly on Mar 21, 2009 12:49 AM EDT reply actions