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Hardy targets TUF role before retiring at age of 35

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Dan Hardy has revealed he plans to retire at the age of 35, and he wants to have coached on a TUF series by the time he hangs up his gloves.

Hardy's professional career started nearly seven years ago and, just two months from his 29th birthday, he admits he only plans to fight for another six years.

The Briton, who collides with Anthony Rumble Johnson at UFC Fight Night 24, has been a superb addition to the UFC roster, winning fans with his abrasive and witty manner, not to mention a fight game that earned him a welterweight title shot.

Reports of a future UK v Australia TUF series have hinted at the need for a British coach and, while Michael Bisping would be front runner, Hardy admits he would love the gig.

"Definitely, definitely, I'd love it," Hardy told ESPN. I've always said I'll make a better coach than I am a fighter, because I can bring wrestling coaches in and not have to worry about it!

"I love coaching, I wish I had more time to do it. To go on The Ultimate Fighter and have guys who are as hungry as I was back then, to be able to pass on my knowledge and introduce them to my coaches, it would be awesome.

"Plus, whoever I coach against, it'd be great fun getting six weeks to trash talk him into the ground."

Asked about his retirement plans, Hardy replied: "[I'll fight] until I get beaten several times in a row! I've always had a plan of 35, that's my cut-off. I'm 29 this year, so that gives me another six years.

"I've got a lot of other things I want to do, inside and outside of the sport. I don't want to be picking up injuries that will affect the rest of my life.

"If I can't do everything I want to do in the sport in the next six years, the likelihood is I won't do it towards my 40s. I'll call it a day and try something different!"

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