In 2013, UK MMA pioneer Dan Hardy retired from competition after being diagnosed with Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome, which meant he wouldn't be cleared to fight.
Hardy would later find out and reveal five years down the line that a second opinion from a different doctor revealed that with him not feeling any of the effects of the condition, he could've continued fighting.
Instead, the former UFC welterweight title challenger had already began his career as a commentator and analyst, which would eventually lead him to the Professional Fighters League (PFL).
As a key figure in the promotion as both a color commentator and the head of fighter operations for PFL Europe, Hardy is playing a pivotal role in helping to structure the promotion.
"The Outlaw" spoke in a recent interview with Sky Sports about wanting to bring in a "masters division" for older fighters who want to continue competing. Instead of fighting the next wave of upcoming contenders, they'd be facing opponents who are ay similar stage of their careers.
In fact, Hardy himself would be open to the idea of competing in that bracket.
Dan Hardy Teases Potentially Competing In 'Masters Division' In The PFL
Hardy has wanted to make a combat sports return for many years now, but in every instance, the fights or plans have fallen through for various reasons.
However, competing under the PFL banner against fellow legends and veterans of the sport would appear to be the most realistic and suitable option for an MMA comeback.
When asked whether he would put himself forward for a masters division, Hardy said that he has recently tried to speak to the PFL about having him step back inside the cage.
Hey, why not? Yeah, why not. I actually said to the PFL the other day, we were coming out of an event and I said, 'Look, like, I'll dust off and come back for another 12 months,' and I gave them three or four names. I'd be like, 'Look, this is a good little selection of names.'
When asked if he was being serious, he doubled down on the idea of competing once again to cap off his 36-fight pro career.
Yeah, I'll always fight. I'll always fight, I love fighting, I love the adrenaline rush of it. I love the 'do or die' feeling of a fight, it's the singlemindedness. You're getting in there, you're throwing techniques and you know, you're hoping that your game plan is going to be the one that is victorious. I'm a little bit older now, absolutely, but of course, if we've got a masters division and I've got a few good ideas in mind...
Sky Sports' Nik Hobbs questioned whether Hardy would be willing to reveal any of the names that he put forward to the PFL. After some hesitation, he named former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis as a potential opponent.
Not right now, no. But, well, I will say Anthony Pettis has always been someone I've had a lot of respect for and his name has been thrown around a few times regarding a future opponent for me. So maybe that's an option, but we'll see.