(Video) UFC Veteran Dan Hardy Almost Thrashed During PFL Brussels Faceoff Brawl

Former UFC welterweight title challenger Dan Hardy remains one of MMA’s most recognizable personalities. Hardy challenged Georges St-Pierre for the UFC title before building a broadcasting career. He now serves as the PFL’s head of fighter relations and continues working as a commentator. Hardy recently got caught between Khamzat Abaev and Luca Poclit during a chaotic brawl.

Hardy competed in the UFC from 2008 until 2012 and defeated notable names, including Marcus Davis and Rory Markham. He later joined the UFC commentary team before leaving the promotion in 2021 following disagreements regarding broadcasting responsibilities. Hardy signed with the PFL in 2024 and became the promotion’s head of fighter operations alongside his commentary role for PFL Europe events.

Tensions erupted after Abaev and Poclit completed their ceremonial weigh-in faceoff before their undercard welterweight matchup. Poclit aggressively approached Abaev during the stare down, causing both fighters and their teams to begin shoving each other on stage. Hardy became involved because he stood between the two fighters during the faceoff before security eventually restored order.

LMAO someone come get Unc https://t.co/yEYNp6FdOT

— MagicM (@MagicM_MMABets) May 23, 2026

Hardy has frequently criticized UFC pay, comparing athletes’ compensation to that of rapidly growing promotions like BKFC. He previously argued that several BKFC fighters received better financial opportunities despite competing in a smaller organization than the UFC. ‘The Outlaw’ has also criticized the UFC for revenue-share disparities between executives and fighters during major pay-per-view events.

The former welterweight’s relationship with UFC CEO Dana White became increasingly strained during his final years with the UFC. Their tensions escalated after Hardy publicly confronted referee Herb Dean during a UFC Fight Night event in 2020, cageside. White later warned UFC employees against approaching officials and parted ways with Hardy following another backstage disagreement in 2021.

Dan Hardy has continued to build his profile within the PFL through commentary work and executive responsibilities across events. His role within the organization expanded following PFL Europe’s continued push to develop regional MMA talent. The recent PFL Brussels weigh-in altercation unexpectedly placed the English veteran directly inside one of the promotion’s most chaotic recent moments.

Dan Hardy praises legendary UFC commentator for letting him speak his mind

Joe Rogan remains one of mixed martial arts’ most influential commentators and media personalities worldwide. Rogan joined the UFC broadcast team in 1997 before becoming closely associated with the promotion’s biggest pay-per-view events. He also hosts The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, which became one of the world’s most popular long-form interview shows across digital platforms.

Dan Hardy recently appeared on Joe Rogan’s JRE, where he discussed details of his controversial UFC exit with Rogan. Hardy explained that Rogan immediately questioned him about the backstage incidents that damaged his relationship with UFC management. The former UFC welterweight recently praised Rogan for allowing him to fully explain his side regarding the incidents surrounding his departure.

I didn’t mind [Rogan asking about my UFC exit], though. Joe let me say my piece and what I needed to say about it, and it was a good conversation. 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. 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

Dan Hardy via talkSPORT

Dan Hardy opens up on ‘fascinating’ Joe Rogan interview and being allowed to say his piece on UFC exit https://t.co/u6BqRgZUin

— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) May 21, 2026

‘The Outlaw’ also discussed how guests appearing on The Joe Rogan Experience often become headline topics across combat sports media. He explained that conversations from Rogan’s podcast regularly spread quickly because of the show’s enormous international audience. Dan Hardy’s recent appearance once again drew attention to his UFC departure and growing role within the PFL organization.

Also Read:

• (Video) 260 pound Bodybuilder Larry Wheels Taps 3 Times in 1 Minute to 135-Pound UFC Star Merab Dvalishvili
• EA UFC 6 Character Design Sparks Criticism From UFC Champion Islam Makhachev