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Dan Hardy: 'Diego Sanchez is what's wrong with MMA'

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 12: Dan Hardy looks on during a UFC media session with the AFL Gold Coast Suns at Metricon Stadium on December 12, 2012 on the Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)

UFC welterweight Dan Hardy is doing well in his second career as a television commentatory but he's still intent on not letting his Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome diagnosis prevent him from stepping back into the cage. Hardy has not fought in nearly two years but still plans to make a return to UFC competition.

When he does, the Brit knows exactly who he wants to fight - Diego Sanchez. According to a recent interview, Hardy takes issue with Sanchez' recent gift decision win over Ross Pearson in his home town of Albuquerque. Hardy and Pearson used to train with one another and are countrymen.

Additionally, Hardy believes that Sanchez' style of fighting is is an old, and simple one, that needs to be removed from the UFC. “Ross Pearson won that fight clearly, and Diego accepted the win like he does…he’s as crazy as he is,” Hardy said.

““Diego Sanchez, because after Ross Pearson got robbed, that was one of the worst decisions I’ve ever seen," he said.

Myles Jury [L] lands a punch on Diego Sanchez [R] at UFC 171. (AP Photo/Matt Strasen)
Myles Jury [L] lands a punch on Diego Sanchez [R] at UFC 171. (AP Photo/Matt Strasen)

"Ross Pearson won that fight clearly, and Diego accepted the win like he does…he’s as crazy as he is. I’m a huge Diego fan, but for me, he is what’s wrong with mixed martial arts right now. He is the 20th century bullheaded martial artist that walks forward and fights with their face, and now we’ve got guys like …Conor McGregor, we’ve got Gunnar Nelson; they’ve all got this very Machida-esque style where they’re very mobile; they can switch stances, and they can hit with power from anywhere.

“I think Diego represents the old school, where you just walk forward in a boxing stance and see who falls over first.”

Who would you pick in a matchup between the former title challenger Hardy and the former lightweight title challenger Sanchez? Let us know in the comments section.

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