Dan Hardy issues statement on ‘Fight Island’ incident that led to UFC firing

A report surfaced last week that revealed former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Welterweight contender, Dan Hardy, had been relieved of his commentating duties for the promotion after he was involved in a recent incident with a UFC employee while on “Fight Island.”

One week after the dust settled, “The Outlaw” has issued a statement regarding the incident and his dismissal from the company.

“Apologies for my silence on this current situation,” Hardy wrote on his website. “I’m still chasing answers privately, and it’s taking some time. This is what I can say, at this point. It was a verbal disagreement between myself and a member of the UFC staff. It was forthright but not aggressive, and specific to work.

“I have apologized to the individual, for the embarrassment they must have felt, as a small handful of our colleagues from the British media were present,” he continued. “We were taking a brief break from recording UFC 258 content, a few hours after the Holloway-Kattar event had concluded, when the disagreement occurred. The conversation could have definitely taken place in a better location, and under better circumstances.”

And while he clearly confirmed that he did part ways with UFC, Hardy affirmed that he is still employed by BT Sport.

“BT Sport have not fired me, and are still keen on working with me in some capacity. I’m appreciative of their interest in a continued collaboration. Thank you all for the support in the comments across their accounts. They are paying attention and making efforts, although there is pressure to push me out entirely.”

Hardy went on to say that his journalist team, Full Reptile, also had their credentials revoked for last weekend’s UFC 259 event in Las Vegas, Nevada. That said, “The Outlaw” hopes to one day reconcile with UFC and Dana White, who he says he has yet to speak to regarding the incident.

“The Raptors were quarantined for three weeks in order to attend UFC 259, but had their credentials revoked, so we’re diversifying our content a little, and appreciate your subs and support.

“It has been suggested that a reconciliation between myself and the UFC is possible, and of course, I hope that is the case,” he continued. “I have yet to speak to, or hear from Dana, and get a better understanding of his perspective on the situation.”

According to Hardy, an investigation into the matter launched by UFC left him with more questions than answers.

“The result of their brief and private investigation has left me with little closure, and hope that at some point I’m able to get more information of what I’ve actually been accused,” he added. “I’m forever a fan of the UFC, and dedicated in service of MMA. I appreciate all of your kind words and support, both privately and publicly, and have lots of exciting offers to consider.”

If you recall, White wasn’t too happy with Hardy’s confrontation with Herb Dean after the long-time referee was slow to stop Francisco Trinaldo’s beatdown of Jai Herbert at UFC Fight Island 3 in July 2020.

White went as far as to say that if Hardy or anyone else did anything like that again, they would no longer work for the company.