UFC Live 5: Hardy vs. Lytle is set for this Sunday and features a number of impressive bouts. In the main event Dan Hardy and Chris Lytle will face off in a fight that will greatly shape both fighters’ UFC careers. This is because when everything is over, and the Monday Morning Fighters take to their keyboards and microphones, we will most likely be discussing the departure of one of these fighters.
Dan Hardy has been having a tough time turning his luck around in the UFC. A consummate fan favorite, “The Outlaw” has not won a contest since his 2009 fight against Mike Swick. He’s dropped three consecutive bouts in one-sided fashion to welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre, Carlos Condit, and Anthony Johnson. GSP and Johnson gave the world a clear view of Hardy’s grappling deficiencies, while Condit’s counter left hook put his lights out.
While most fighters on the Zuffa roster would not be given the opportunity to lose four fights in a row, Hardy’s opportunity comes with a price; he must answer questions about what will happen if he loses this bout, when we all know the answer. Another loss here, especially if it isn’t in a highly entertaining firefight, will result in Hardy becoming the most recent Team Rough House representative to be forced to look for work.
Lytle, on the other hand, may take another path towards exiting the organization, and the fighting world as a whole. A 13-year veteran of mixed martial arts, Lytle has fought some of the biggest names in the sport. Over that time he has become well known as a fighter who is willing to stand in the cage and trade punches, but also possesses a dangerous set of submissions in his arsenal. However, at UFC 127 in Australia, Lytle was caught off guard by Brian Ebersole and defeated.
After the bout we heard rumors that Lytle was contemplating retirement. Lytle has more losses on his record than many fighters have total contests. I believe that Lytle was seriously shocked at how he lost that fight, a loss that killed any momentum towards one last run at the Welterweight title. However, I’m glad that Lytle decided to step into the Octagon one more time.
Looking at this matchup, Lytle should fight the smart fight, rather than fight the battle fans want him to see. Hardy is weak on the mat, and will not be able to deal with the grappling skills that Lytle brings with him. UFC Live 5: Hardy vs. Lytle will be the last time that we see one of these fighters in the UFC Octagon, and that individual will be Dan Hardy.
