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Dana White recently announced Tom Aspinall vs. Curtis Blaydes as the co-main event of UFC 304 in Manchester. Aspinall would put his interim title on the line against Blaydes as undisputed champion Jon Jones will fight Stipe Miocic in November. Ex-UFC welterweight title challenger Dan Hardy is not happy Jones was getting preferential treatment, which even Conor McGregor didn’t get.
The UFC stripped Conor McGregor of the undisputed lightweight title due to inactivity. Even though Jones is the arguable GOAT of the sport, McGregor is the biggest superstar. Dan Hardy was happy that Tom Aspinall got a spot at UFC 304 but was unhappy with what the UFC was doing with the heavyweight title picture.
It's unfortunate that it's [UFC 304 co-main event] not for the actual belt because I do think it's time. I mean, what is it, 511 days on the date? Jon Jones has not been active, and that was the same point that Conor McGregor was stripped of his title. So, for me, I think they should make it the official title and put it in the main event. Dan Hardy via Title Sports Network
Nonetheless, Hardy was happy Leon Edwards got the opportunity to headline UFC 304 against Belal Muhammad. However, he was yet again unhappy with the timing of the event. UFC 304 would begin at 11 PM BST, and the main card would start at 3 AM BST. Hardy felt the timing was unfair, but it was similar when Michael Bisping fought Dan Henderson at UFC 204.
Bisping was the first UFC champion from the UK and made his only title defense in the UK. The UK MMA scene is now on an upward rise, with two UFC champions. After Bisping, the expectations were for Darren Till to become champion, but his UFC career fizzled out.
Dan Hardy speaks on Darren Till’s UFC career and boxing debut
Darren Till entered the UFC after an impressive run at the South American MMA circuit, especially in Brazil. Till left the UFC with a 6-5-1 record but fought for the welterweight title, losing to Tyron Woodley via submission.
Till left the UFC with a three-fight losing streak but recently announced his boxing debut against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr . in the undercard of Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul. Dan Hardy recently spoke about Till’s UFC career and boxing debut in his interview with Title Sports Network’s Kaz Crossle.
I'm looking forward to Darren [Till] coming back. As soon as he joined the UFC, you could tell he was going to be something special. I think he didn't quite reach his potential, but a lot of that was due to the pressure and expectations placed on him...He's been caught between weight classes, but now he's focused on boxing. He's fighting Chavez Jr., and I think that's a good matchup. It's a very winnable fight for Darren. Dan Hardy via Title Sports Network
Hardy stated the consecutive losses to Woodley and Jorge Masvidal took the steam of Till. However, he stated Till would showcase a special performance in his boxing debut. Hardy admitted Till would be at a disadvantage against Chavez Jr in boxing. However, he felt Till had more power and a higher fight IQ than the Mexcian boxer.
More must-reads:
- Dustin Poirier teases retirement following his loss to Islam Makhachev at UFC 302
- Dana White believes anyone who has Islam Makhachev ranked over Jon Jones is 'nuts'
- The 'MLB stolen base leaders' quiz
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