Former UFC fighter and commentator, Dan Hardy criticizes 'new generation' and asks for respect for MMA veterans

D. Hardy hasn't fought since 2012, but wants to return to the sport. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

In addition to the increase in consumer audiences, the rise of MMA also involves the evolution of fighters over time. However, not everyone approves of the constant changes in the sport. One of the most popular competitors of the past generation, Dan Hardy criticized the similarity between athletes today.

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In an interview with the North American website 'MMA fighting', the former UFC fighter and commentator highlighted the 'lack of love' from competitors, who already enter the octagon aiming for the profits they can receive from the sport.

“Everyone looks like clones of each other now (…), as these guys are coming in now, the idea now is: 'How can I protect myself, play the game and make more money?'. You look back on the old days of Nick Diaz x Robbie Lawler and they were there out of love, for the honor of it, for the privilege of being there and showing what you are capable of. I don't know, but it seems like we're moving away from that a little bit now,” Hardy said.

Still on the new generation, the Englishman does not agree with the direction of the veterans in Ultimate. He says that experienced fighters should not face young promises, who can use them as an 'elevator' to reach the top of their divisions. Hardy even argues that it is also not good for the new generation to face legends of the sport.

“I just wish there was some kind of care for fighters like (Donald) 'Cowboy' (Cerrone), Jim Miller, Clay guida e Diego Sanchez, that they still want to fight. We can still celebrate them at the top of the sport, and they don't need to be in this shark tank with all these young people trying to keep their heads above water. (…) Young people coming in and beating these legends that they used to admire, it’s not good for either party. This is another thing that I think could be handled better. It would be better for the sport too”, concluded the former fighter.

Despite being retired from MMA since 2012, Dan Hardy never stopped being close to the sport. The Englishman was an Ultimate commentator until March this year and you can still see him training in posts on social media. Popular among North American fans, he also does not rule out resuming his career in boxing superfights in the future.