Dan Hardy doesn’t need much of an introduction. He’s undefeated in the UFC, riding a 7 fight
winning streak, and is about to fight for the UFC welterweight title against Georges St. Pierre.

Mike: How's your training going for the upcoming fight?
Dan: Awesome, things are going really well. I’m seeing some real progress in all areas and I can’t wait to see how it changes my game in the fight.

Mike: Are you doing anything different in training to prepare for a potential 5 round fight?
Dan: I maintained 80% of my conditioning from the Swick fight and started camp six weeks early. I did two weeks at one session a day and then straight into fight camp twelve weeks out. I’m already conditioned from five rounds, so now I can concentrate on game plan, knowing I can fight hard for the whole fight.

Mike: Do you feel any added pressure going into a big fight like this, or is it "just another fight"?
Dan: There is a little added pressure, but it’s these circumstances where I fight my best. It’s certainly not just another fight, there is so much more to look forward to! I can’t wait to walk out into the arena and take in the atmosphere. I’m expecting it to be pretty lively. I’ll be impressed if it’s louder than the crowd at 105 though!

Mike: The last time we spoke you said the fight will end at 3:04 of the second round... that still the plan? (laughs)
Dan: Yes. I hope so for his sake, I wouldn’t want to prolong the beating! (smiles)

Mike: What do you feel is your biggest advantage in this fight?
Dan: The lack of pressure on me to win is a huge advantage. All I am focused on is going in there and making it a fight. The longer the fight goes and the more shots GSP takes, the greater the advantage. I can just enjoy the fight and concentrate on being as mean and violent as possible.

Mike: (fill in the blank) After UFC 111, Georges St. Pierre will __________?
Dan: Wish he never even heard my name.

Mike: Good answer… now the welterweight division is a stacked division, with a lot of guys all kind of in the same spot. Who do you think would be in line for a shot behind you?
Dan: I’m not sure, like you said; the division is wide open right now. The winner of Fitch/Alves would be an obvious choice, but if I were to choose, if Alves beat Fitch I would have him fight Koscheck again. That’s if Koscheck hasn’t decided to retire after Paul Daley smashes him up.

Mike: Speaking of “Semtex” (Paul Daley), If you end up being the champion, and Paul Daley the #1 contender… would you be willing to fight each other?
Dan: No, myself and Paul have been close friends and team mates for a long time now. We will cross that bridge when we come to it. For now, we both have bigger fish to fry.

Mike: I saw a video online of you "practicing" your wrestling which was pretty awesome. How did that come about? And how big of an influence has A.C Slater had on you?
Dan: A.C. Slater was my main inspiration to become a fighter. He always got the girl, and nobody can rock a mullet like him. The video was just an in site into my world for the fans. There are more to come too!

Mike: so… I heard you use to be the front man of a Rage Against the Machine tribute band. What was the name of your band, and what is your favorite RATM song? (Mines gotta be Bombtrack).
Dan: (laughs)! It was a very unoriginal 'raging against the machine'! My favorite track by them would have to be 'tire me', off evil empire.

Mike: If you could be anyone, past or present for a day… who would you want to be?
Dan: Hmmm... hannibal of carthage, was pretty badass!

Mike: last one... with a bunch of guys in MMA releasing books lately (Hughes, Tito, Forrest, Chuck… etc) if you were to put one out, what would it be titled?
Dan: Damn, these questions are tough! Maybe 'read at your own risk'… or, 'wait for the movie'.

Mike: Nice, (laughs) gotta keep you on your toes man. Anything you wanna add?
Dan: Check out my Tapout t-shirt, use Xyience supplements, hit people with Sandee gloves and listen to bands on Earache Records.

Mike: As always it was a pleasure man, best of luck to you!