After his victory over Mike Swick at UFC 105, number one welterweight contender Dan “The Outlaw” Hardy has earned his crack at the gold and a chance to face UFC champion Georges St. Pierre. MMA Sports caught up with the devastating striker to discuss the Swick fight and his thoughts on a title shot.

Mike: First off, congrats on a huge win over Mike Swick at UFC 106. What are your thoughts on how the fight went down?
Dan: I’m a little disappointed that I didn’t knock him out. There were plenty of opportunities, but it’s easy to critique in hindsight.

Mike: Were you surprised at all that Mike tried to keep the fight against the cage and wanted it on the ground... or were you expecting him to try that?
Dan: I expect all of my opponents to try and take me down. It seems to be the best option, and my striking is what wins me my fights. I expected that as soon as I landed cleanly, he would clinch. I’m comfortable wherever the fight goes though, I’d just rather be able to punch and kick people.

Mike: Also wanted to get your thoughts on the Anthony Johnson Josh Koscheck fight?
Dan: I was a little disappointed; I thought Johnson would take the fight to him. Good win for Koscheck though, took some shots, landed some shots, faked an injury, got booed by the fans... sounds like a normal night for him.

Mike: And what did you think of Koscheck’s comments after the win?
Dan: The guy is a prick, and everyone knows it. He can’t help it, it’s just the way he is. I expected for him to say something if he won, so it was no real surprise. He seems to forget though, when I was putting Markham to sleep back at UFC 95, he was getting knocked out by Paulo Thiago. Since then he has beaten Johnson and Trigg, neither guy is ranked above Davis or Swick.

Mike: Now onto the big fight! What are your thoughts on current champ Georges St. Pierre?
Dan: He is a great athlete, and a great champion. It will be an honor to fight him and I am very confident that I can take his gold. He is a very good athlete and a master technician, but he hasn’t fought anyone as fast or as nasty as me.

Mike: How do you think the two of you matchup?
Dan: I have the advantage on the feet, he has the advantage on the ground. I just have to get in there and be myself. Make it a fight and let him know I’m there to hurt him. My biggest advantage is determination, I do not know quit; I will go until the referee stops me.

Mike: Do you look for him to try for takedowns early? Or do you think he will want to stand for awhile?
Dan: I think he may lead me to believe he will stand so I give up the takedown. Either way I’m going in there throwing bombs from the start.

Mike: How will the fight end?
Dan: I will catch him with a counter left hook and rock him. Then a clean knee to the chin will tuck him into bed.

Mike: And any idea of when it may go down?
Dan: (laughs) Are you planning on making a bet or something? I say, round 2… 3:14 of round 2 for sure.

Mike: (laughs) Well if your sure then, I will drop some money on it... so who are some of the guys you will have preparing you for that fight? Will you be splitting time between LA and UK?
Dan: I will have all of my usual team in the UK, Team Rough House. Then in LA I will have Eddie Bravo and the 10th planet guys, and my MMA training partners at PKG. I also have a couple of wrestling partners, but that’s a secret.

Mike: If you win the gold, who would you like to face for your first defense?
Dan: Whoever the fans want me to fight, which I would assume to be Koscheck.

Mike: Mike Bisping will face Wanderlei Silva at UFC 110. What are your thoughts on that matchup?
Dan: I think that it would be a very fast paced brawl, with Bisping coming out on top due to better speed and technique.

Mike: Pantera vs Slayer in a heavy metal MMA match. Who wins?
Dan: I say Pantera all the way, with the help of Dimebag's ghost!

Mike: Is that a blood for blood (band) tattoo I saw on your leg? And do you have a favorite tattoo?
Dan: Yeah, it’s an adapted BfB tattoo, I took the blood off it though... and I would say my favorite is my first one. The skull and bones on the inside of my lip.

Mike: I've got one on the inside of my lip as well, good fun! So, last one. Describe Dan Hardy in 3 words.
Dan: British. Punk. Brawler.

Mike: Nice. I like that... well once again thanks for the time man, look forward to seeing you fight for that title. Best of luck.
Dan: Thanks mate, it’s been a pleasure!

Mike: Anything you wanna add?
Dan: Just to check out my website, danhardymma.com.
Check out my shirt on tapout.com, and my bandana at danhardybandana.com. And find me on your favorite social networking site. Thanks!