Dan Hardy opens up on ‘fascinating’ Joe Rogan interview and being allowed to say his piece on UFC exit

Dan Hardy has opened up on the ‘overwhelmingly positive’ feedback he received from his interview with Joe Rogan.

The former UFC welterweight title challenger and current PFL commentator sat down with Rogan for his latest MMA show ahead of PFL Brussels this weekend.

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Hardy has been an ambassador and matchmaker for the PFL’s European scene for quite some time since his tumultuous exit from the UFC.

The 44-year-old was let go in 2022 following a ‘verbal disagreement’ with a member of the promotion’s staff, and explained the full story to Rogan.

Hardy’s Joe Rogan experience

“I was more nervous about that one than any other interview I’ve had for a while,” Hardy told talkSPORT.com before his return to the booth in Brussels on Saturday.

“And I think because I’ve done it before, and I’ve known Joe for—we worked it out, I was looking back through some old photos—I’ve known Joe for two decades. 20 years ago, I was at Legends training with him.

“He’s always been such an influential character in MMA. And also in my life, his voice is on all of my fights pretty much.

“So to sit down and talk to anyone like that for a length of time is always fascinating, but you also never know where the conversation’s gonna go…

“And obviously as soon as it started, he jumped straight in with the, ‘So tell me about what happened with you and UFC.’”

Hardy’s disagreement with a UFC staff member occurred in January 2021, a few hours after he called Max Holloway’s win over Calvin Kattar at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

It also came six months after Hardy was involved in a public altercation with UFC referee Herb Dean.

Hardy was unhappy with Dean after a late stoppage during Jai Herbert’s knockout loss to Francisco Trinaldo.

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Trinaldo dropped Herbert with a thunderous left hand and, after hesitating with follow-up shots having seen his opponent seemingly out cold, was allowed three more blows before the fight was waved off.

Hardy was caught on camera exchanging words with Dean after the fight, and UFC CEO Dana White caught wind of the situation.

White believed Hardy had confronted Dean and was understandably unhappy, but, as Hardy explained to Rogan, there had been a miscommunication, and Dean actually approached him.

Hardy said he knew from that day his ‘card was marked’ and was left ‘p***ed off’ when the UFC pulled all their support of him, later releasing him after the second incident with a member of staff.

“I didn’t mind [Rogan asking about my UFC exit], though,” Hardy continued.

“Joe, he let me say my piece and say what I needed to say about it, and it was a good conversation.

PFL Brussels on talkSPORT

Fans in the UK and Ireland can watch PFL Brussels for free this weekend on the talkSPORT Boxing YouTube, Facebook and X channels.

The early card is set to start at 5.30pm BST (12.30pm ET) with the main card action scheduled for 8pm BST (3pm ET).

Benson Henderson and Patrick Habirora’s main event will take place after 10pm BST (5pm ET).

More details HERE

“The reality is Joe’s hardcore when it comes to being an MMA fan and has been for his whole life, since before MMA was a thing…

“To have that conversation with someone like Joe is always a pleasure. So it was good.

“And the feedback’s all been great. Obviously, there are going to be people out there who don’t like you or don’t agree with you, but the feedback I’ve had has been overwhelmingly positive. 

“So I very much appreciate the MMA community for that.”

Hardy concluded: “Joe’s just got such a bright light that whoever sits in that chair across from him, they’re immediately put in the forefront of pop culture for at least a week.

“I’ve had messages in the last few days from people just saying nice things.

The Joe Rogan Experience

“It almost brings a few people out of the woodwork that forgot you were still there doing stuff. 

“And they’re like, ‘Oh yeah, I like that guy. He talks some sense from time to time.’

“So yeah, it was a lot of fun.”