• UFC 111

Hardy's hooks can 'seriously hurt' GSP - Swick

Mike Swick was 'baffled' by Dan Hardy's hooks © Getty Images

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Mike Swick has warned Georges St-Pierre to beware the Hardy hook, admitting the Briton left him "seriously hurt" in their clash at UFC 105.

Hardy heads into the biggest fight of his career on March 27, when he challenges for the welterweight title at UFC 111. His task is a mammoth one, to succeed where the last six men have failed by beating Georges St-Pierre.

When Hardy enters the Octagon in New Jersey he knows an army of critics and MMA fans alike are just waiting to be vindicated in their predictions of a one-side onslaught. GSP has world class wrestling capabilities that have allowed him to take his previous six fights wherever he wanted.

However Swick, who lost a unanimous points decision to Hardy at UFC 105, believes GSP has a shock coming his way. The welterweight veteran admits he was lucky to escape the first round against Hardy, and he warned St-Pierre that the challenger has the power to ruin an entire game plan in one punch.

"Dan can definitely win this if he takes his chances with his strikes," said Swick. "Honestly, I am more excited to see this GSP fight v Hardy than pretty much anyone else you could put GSP in with.

"His hooks are always flush. He really does land those things flush every time. He's a big puncher. Looking back, I was lucky enough to get out of the first round in Manchester. He countered me right away and hit me twice on the tip of the jaw.

"I wasn't knocked down, but I was seriously hurt. That was basically the fight for me. My game plan was out the window, the strategy was gone because my balance wasn't there. It sort of baffled me he could land those shots over and over.

"My balance was off from those punches and I just didn't perform to my best while he showed up and did what he was supposed to."

In anticipation of their UFC 111 showdown, UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre and challenger Dan Hardy will be featured in "UFC Primetime," a three-part special that airs on ESPN from this Saturday night. Episode 1 airs at 12:30am, with the second and third shows following over the next two weekends.

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