• UFC Fight Night 24

Hardy fighting for big reward as Rumble makes weight

ESPN staff
March 26, 2011
Dan Hardy is fired up for the challenge of Anthony Johnson © Getty Images
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Dan Hardy could earn the chance to redeem himself in front of his home nation if he beats Anthony Johnson on Saturday night.

The fighters weighed in on Friday, with Johnson allaying fears by tipping the scales at a legal 171lbs. Hardy registered an identical weight, so the pair will go to war on an equal footing on Saturday.

ESPN understands there is a significant reward on offer for Hardy if he can triumph at UFC Fight Night 24, with his next fight loosely targeted for the UK later in the year.

The UFC is yet to visit Britain in 2011 but that could change in September, which would give Hardy an ideal amount of preparation time to recover from his exertions against Johnson.

The Outlaw's last outing on home soil saw him suffer the first knockout defeat of his career to Carlos Condit, and the Nottingham-born fighter is desperate to avenge that loss.

Success over Johnson would seriously impress UFC officials, with a top-level welterweight opponent Hardy's prize if he can halt a two-fight losing streak.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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