Veteran 'Outlaw' Dan Hardy named new UFC 'Fight Pass' color commentator

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is bringing six mixed martial arts (MMA) events exclusively to "Fight Pass" in 2014, the promotion's new online digital streaming network (details), which debuted earlier this year with UFC Fight Night 34 in Singapore.

And with a new format, comes a new team of announcers.

That includes longtime emcee Andy Friedlander, who fills in for Bruce Buffer in fighter introductions. Sitting Octagonside will be veteran play-by-play broadcaster John Gooden, as UFC welterweight Dan Hardy (on heart hiatus) serves as color commentator.

"The Outlaw" shared the good news in today's official release:

"I'm very excited to be putting on the headset for the UFC. I've got the same nerves and butterflies that I had when I first signed for the company as a fighter back in 2008. I think I can bring a great perspective to the color commentator's role. Researching and breaking down UFC fighters and fights is what I've been doing for over 10 years now, only now I am not just concentrating on my own division, but every division. I've packed a lot of experience into my 10 fights in the UFC, and I'm looking forward to sharing that experience and insight with the fans."

He won't be waiting very long.

While UFC returns to Fight Pass next weekend for The Ultimate Fighter (TUF): "China" live finale in Macao, Hardy won't actually start his duties until the promotion returns to his backyard in London, England, with UFC Fight Night 37 on March 8 (full fight card here).

UFC Fight Pass is currently available in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Norway, Sweden and Denmark, and is expected to roll out in additional markets throughout 2014.

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