Defending champ finally worthy of only audition for Dana White in fight against ‘Pride of Palestine’

George Hardwick is a three time Cage Warriors lightweight champion who also previously competed in Bellator

Defending champ finally worthy of only audition for Dana White in fight against ‘Pride of Palestine’

L-Dana White, R-George Hardwick ( image via : CNN /Tapology)

Three-time Cage Warriors champion George Hardwick will soon fight Abdul-Kareem Al Selwady in week 2 of Dana White’s Contender series. After having a successful career in Cage Warriors, many fighters have made their debut in UFC. However, despite being a three-time champion, Hardwick will have to fight for a UFC contract. Fans left disappointed with White after learning of the matchup.

Dana White’s Contender series has opened up another route for fighters to make their way into the UFC. The goal of the series is to scout talent that will eventually fight in the UFC. Similar to The Ultimate Fighter, the contestants don’t have an existing contract and can only achieve one after they win.

YouTube video

Several UFC fighters got their big break by winning Dana White’s Contender Series. The show has proved to be a great help for fighters who had limited exposure while fighting in other federations.

FS Video

However, George Hardwick is a three-time Cage Warrior Lightweight champion. For him to be competing in the contender series seems excessive. Many Cage Warrior fighters have received their direct contracts from UFC. UFC superstar Conor McGregor and lightweight fighter Paddy Pimblett are some of the few Cage Warrior champions that received contracts without having to audition elsewhere. Apart from being a Cage Warriors champion, Hardwick also has only one loss in his 13 MMA bouts.

Despite having all the prerequisites to directly enter the UFC, Hardwick will be fighting ‘ The Pride of Palestine‘ in the latest season of DWCS. The news of Hardwick having to audition has left fight fans displeased with Dana White. Fans expressed their disappointment as the renowned champion is required to take an extra step before joining UFC.

Related : Israel Adesanya urges boss of ‘$21.4 billion-worth company’ Dana White to increase measly $50k fight bonus

Fans react to Cage Warriors FC champion auditioning at Dana White’s contender series

Fans react to George Hardwick fighting in DWCS
George Hardwick in Cage Warriors FC (Image via : Cage Warriors FC)

Cage Warriors champion George Hardwick will be stepping inside the octagon against Abdul- Kareem Al Selway. The showdown will take place in week 2 of Dana White’s Contender Series on 15th August. If George manages to win the Series he will be awarded with a UFC contract. He will also join the ranks of famous UFC fighters like Sean O’Malley, Jamahal Hill, and more to receive their big breaks through DWCS.

Many fans in the comment believe Hardwick could easily debut on the prelims of the upcoming UFC London. Fans also feel like Hardwick will be awarded much less pay after winning DWCS, than he would have received otherwise. “More of just an excuse to have a great talent on the lowest contract they can give him probably,” commented one user. Despite the wave of discontent, Hardwick will go head to head against the ‘Pride of Palestine’. If the former Cage Warriors champion manages to win a contract, he will be eyeing a debut at UFC’s London event.

In case you missed :