At least, that’s what he says in his most recent blog at This Is Nottingham:
Being the underdog in this fight is exactly the position I want. I wouldn’t have it any other way. When you step into a fight as a favourite, it takes some of the excitement and drama away from it all.
It almost takes my interest out of the fight. If I’m looking at moving forward in my career and reaching the top, I’m going to need to be the underdog in a few bouts.
That just shows you are taking risks and are prepared to go up against the best fighters in the world. I should always be fighting guys that are considered better than me. The moment you fight guys who are worse than you, you might as well give up.
I really like Hardy’s ability to sell a fight, but I also enjoy the fact that when he is speaking honestly he seems to have a good grasp on building his career. The last paragraph really shows an attitude 180 degrees from what we have heard from a guy like Bobby Lashley who is basically admitting that the only time he wants to face someone better than him is when he gets to fight for a title.
If Hardy picks up a loss, as most expect, he will come away with an idea of what he needs to correct to be a fighter capable of competing at the top of the division. Meanwhile, Bobby Lashley will just continue to learn that he can just stay the same exact fighter to continue beating up men of questionable skills.
HT: MMA Mania