Mickey Gall may need to try again to look for a dance partner with Dan Hardy uninterested should he get cleared to return to UFC action. (Photo : Getty Images/Rey Del Rio)
Dan Hardy got a surprise recently after rising mixed martial arts star Mickey Gall called him out after UFC on Fox 22. Gall had just defeated Sage Northcutt in the second round with a rear-naked choke after which he unexpected called out “The Outlaw”.
The whole thing caught Hardy by surprise. He has been out of the mixed martial arts scene since 2013 after he was diagnosed with a heart condition Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Such forced him to the sidelines where he seems pretty content doing analysis and commentary.
But while that condition may seem like an excuse, Hardy added a pinch of color to the challenge, saying he doesn’t want to beat up a rising star he enjoys watching, MMA Fighting reported. In all, he appreciates the feting but fighters with more fights could entice him to fight again.
For now, that is an option Hardy will leave up in the clouds. He is set to undergo two final days of testing this January to determine if he can still return to the Octagon. Following his last match against Matt Brown in 2013, Hardy is aware of the consequences and is prepared either way.
For Gall, the callout hardly comes as a surprise. He saw his stock bump up following an impressive win over CM Punk at UFC 203 and is now looking at primetime fights, Bleacher Report reported.
The Hardy callout was surprising but obviously another opportunity that could place another feather on his UFC cap. With the 34-year-old fighter declining, Gall will need to wait-and-see who the UFC pits against him – hopefully, a big name fighter.
His number of fights may need some work with the 24-year-old having only four fights to show. To date, he carries the proper built and skill to make it good inside the Octagon. He possesses good grappling and submission skills paired with some Brazilian Jiu Jitsu among others.
Overall, Gall is due to break into the big name circle of the welterweight division. UFC legends may be a good way to boost his stars but no one may pay attention to him until he collars more fights to his credit – preferably big victories.
Check out Mickey Gall calling out Dan Hardy following his match with Nage Shortcutt at UFC on Fox 22.
