• UFC Live 5

UFC owner Fertitta confirms Hardy will not be axed

ESPN staff
August 15, 2011
Dan Hardy has the UFC's respect © Getty Images
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UFC co-owner Lorenzo Fertitta instantly calmed fears that Dan Hardy would be axed after the Brit's fourth straight loss at UFC Live 5 on Sunday.

Hardy was once the No. 1 contender in the welterweight division, stopped only by the seemingly invincible Georges St-Pierre. However, since that defeat nothing has gone right for the Outlaw.

A follow-up loss, this time by knockout, was inflicted by Carlos Condit, before Anthony Johnson exposed the Brit's wrestling weaknesses with a dominant decision win. Hardy called for one more fight, and he called for Chris Lytle.

He got his wish in Milwaukee and the pair put on a superb war that almost lasted the distance, but just as it appeared to be heading for a decision Hardy leapt into Lytle's guillotine.

Barely any fighters survive four straight losses, but Hardy will be rewarded for the fact he lived up to his promise by putting on a show for the fans. He stood in the pocket, he traded blows, and the UFC respects that.

"Will not cut @danhardymma. I like guys that WAR!!!" Fertitta posted on his Twitter account.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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