A former Ultimate Fighting Championship title challenger has joined Professional Fighters League in an executive capacity.
The organization announced Wednesday that Dan Hardy will serve as director of fighter operations for PFL Europe, the new league that will launch on March 25. Hardy’s role will include identifying talent in the region and ensuring the well being and development of fighters. He will also working alongside global PFL president of fighter operations Ray Sefo on matchmaking decisions.
“I’m excited to be taking on the role of director of fighter operations for PFL Europe. This will allow me to bring together the best MMA prospects from around the region, and give each of them an opportunity to establish themselves as world class talent,” Hardy said in a release. “PFL Europe will bring stability to the opportunities available to European MMA athletes, and I’m honoured to be able to play a role in that process.”
A native of Nottingham, England, Hardy compiled a 25-10 career MMA record from 2004 to 2012. He went 6-4 during a 10-bout UFC stint, notably dropping a five-round verdict against Georges St. Pierre in a welterweight championship clash at UFC 111. “The Outlaw” has since transitioned to an analyst role and is also well-known for his fight breakdowns on YouTube.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Dan Hardy to the Professional Fighters League as the director of fighter operations for PFL Europe ahead of start of our historic inaugural season on March 25 in Newcastle,” said PFL CEO Peter Murray. “PFL Europe is the first of many regional leagues we are creating to identify and develop the next generation of MMA stars as well as grow the sport around the world. Dan’s expertise gathered from his accomplished career and his eye for talent will be invaluable as we begin this exciting chapter in our company’s history.”
PFL Europe is the organization’s first international league and will hold quarterly events beginning with a card in Newcastle, England, on March 25. It features 32 European fighters from 14 countries competing in four weight classes. At the end of the 2023 PFL Europe campaign, champions from four division will be crowned, with each earning a $100,000 prize. Those champions will also have the chance to earn a spot on the PFL global roster. Fighters slated to compete at PFL Europe include Dakota Ditcheva, Simeon Powell, Ali Taleb, Connor Hughes, Dom Wooding, Francesco Nuzzi and Frans Mlambo, to name a few.
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