MMA Sports went One on One in this exclusive interview with UK fighter Dan Hardy. Known as ‘The Outlaw’, Hardy talks about his upcoming fight at UFC 99 in Germany against Marcus Davis, his KO victory over Rory Markham and everything else you want to know about this rising MMA star.

Mike: Congrats on the quick KO, over Rory Markham, what are your thoughts on that fight?
Hardy: I’m pretty happy with it. I would have liked a little longer in there, but it was nice to make a statement and silence the 'punching power' critics.

Mike: After the fight some rumors came out about him having a collapsed lung… do you believe that or do you think people were making excuses?
Hardy: First of all, I don’t believe it for a second. No way would a fighter in the UFC be able to get through the medicals with a collapsed lung. Even if it was true though, how would it have had an effect on the fight? It only lasted 69 seconds, its not like his cardio was getting pushed.

Mike: How did you get started in MMA?
Hardy: I was just looking for the next challenge. I had competed in lots of different martial arts competitions and when I saw one of the early UFC shows, I began looking for amateur competitions so I had something to train for. That was when I started doing Jiu-Jitsu and Wrestling, to complement my striking background.

Mike: Where do you train, and who are some of the guys who get you ready for a fight?
Hardy: Out of training camp, I train at Legends in Hollywood. During fight camp though, I am back in the UK with Team Rough House. We have a bunch of guys that work together, Jim Wallhead, Paul Daley, Andre Winner... the list goes on. Our coaching team consists of Owen Comrie for striking, Nathan Leverton for BJJ and Ollie Richardson for Conditioning.

Mike- Your only recent loss was a DQ loss to Yoshida, who is now a part of the UFC as well... would you like a rematch or is that something that is in the past?
Hardy- If it makes sense for the UFC, then let’s fight. I would personally like to get a rematch, but I’m not holding any grudges. The matchmaking is up to the UFC and I trust them to give me the right opponent at the right time.

Mike: After your win over Markham you called out Marcus Davis... could you tell us why you chose him?
Hardy: I actually didn’t really call him out. After the weigh-ins for UFC 95, he was doing a Q&A with the fans and they asked him if he would like to fight me and he said 'yes'. At the post-fight press conference the question was put to me and I also said I would like the fight. So the fans made it clear that they want me to kick his ass.

Mike: There has been a lot of talk between the two of you and Marcus has said that he doesn't like you nor the way you look... why do you think this fight is getting so personal?
Hardy: I think he is trying to convince himself that he can win and he is trying to get emotional about it to motivate himself. It’s not personal for me, but when I get that contract through with his name on it, he becomes the next target. From that point onwards, he is on my mind all day and it gets to the stage where I can’t stand thinking about him any more. That is what makes me so motivated to beat him down. I think it has become personal for him, through fear of what will happen.

Mike: Do you think you will have the home field advantage going up against "The Irish Hand Grenade" in Germany?
Hardy: Not really, I’m sure I will have a few fans there, but for the most part, the live audience will be German fans. I’m not sure who they will choose to support, but I don’t really mind. As long as they enjoy the show, I’m happy.

Mike: Not too look past this fight, but if you win… is there anyone at welterweight you would like to fight next?
Hardy: My time for picking opponents has passed. Joe Silva does a good job of match making and I am happy to leave it to him. The WW division is so deep and there are so many exciting fights out there for me, I don’t know who I would like to fight next. As long as my position in the division keeps moving up, I don’t mind.

Mike: There will be a big fight this July in your division between St. Pierre and Thiago Alves... who do you think take home the gold?
Hardy: I think St. Pierre will out-wrestle him. Alves is a tough dude and if he has improved his takedown defense since the Fitch fight, then it could be a long night for GSP though. If I were to put money on it, I would take GSP by sub, late in the 2nd.

Mike: Is there much of a difference between the fans or fighting in the UK, USA, or Japan?
Hardy: The fans in the UK and the US are quite similar, but the Japanese fans are very different. They sit very quietly and pay close attention to the fight. Their technical knowledge and appreciation for the ground game is ahead of the UK and US. I love fighting in front of a loud audience though, fans that let you know when they are enjoying the fight by thrusting their beer in the air and screaming 'YEAH!!' at the top of their voices.

Mike: The best pound for pound fighter in MMA today is?
Hardy: Anderson Silva, followed closely by GSP.

Mike: Who has the best Mohawk in MMA? You, Chuck, Brett Rogers or Tim McKenzie?
Hardy: Me, of course!

Mike: Ok they bring a tag team title to MMA, and you are fighting in the WW tourny... who do you want as your partner?
Hardy: Without a doubt, Jim Wallhead. I have never cornered a guy that makes me so concerned for his opponent’s safety before. I have seen him tear through tough guys with ease.

Mike: Out of everyone you have ever fought or sparred with… who has hit the hardest?
Hardy: Hmm... Vitor Belfort caught me with a cracking uppercut once. It felt like my neck had grown about six inches. Haha

Mike: You get to play matchmaker for a day, what is the one fight you would love to set up and watch take place?
Hardy: I would like to see BJ Penn vs Aoki, Anderson Silva vs Lyoto Machida and maybe Nate Marquardt vs Demian Maia.

Mike: If they were to make a movie about your life, who do you think should play the role of Dan Hardy?
Hardy: I dont know... maybe Mark Wahlberg would do a good job. He would need to work on his British accent though. I would definitely get Samuel L Jackson to play my coach though. When we were out in Japan fighting, the Japanese media was calling him Samuel L.

Mike: Ok that's all I got for you man, anything you wanna close with?
Hardy: Just like to thank the fans for all the support, both at the shows and on the forums. Keep watching and we will keep fighting hard for you. Thanks to the UFC for giving me this great opportunity and thanks to my sponsors for investing in me.

Mike: Thanks for your time and good luck at UFC 99!!
Hardy: Thanks!