Dan Hardy says boxing likely up first in post-UFC run

If all goes according to his current plan, Dan Hardy (25-10 MMA) will put on a pair of boxing gloves before year’s end.

The former UFC welterweight title challenger, who recently secured his release from the sport’s biggest promotion, said he’s currently leaning toward a boxing match before returning to an MMA cage.

“I’ve had a few people message me and ask me to see if I’m interested in doing this and that, but the best offer right now looks like boxing,” Hardy said on the latest “Real Quick with Mike Swick” podcast.

Hardy, 39, recently requested and received his release from his UFC contract. “The Outlaw” hasn’t competed in the octagon since a 2012 decision win over Amir Sadollah. That card took place in Hardy’s hometown of Nottingham, England.

Shortly after, Hardy was diagnosed a heart condition known as Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, which forced him to put his MMA career on hold while he evaluated his medical options. While he teased a potential return to the octagon during his time away, Hardy never settled on a suitable opponent for his comeback.

Now it seems the squared circle may serve as the venue for his return to action – though Hardy said he still intends on returning to MMA at some point, as well.

“I might look at doing a boxing match towards the end of the year and then maybe see where MMA is next year, but I’d like to have another MMA fight,” Hardy said.

Hardy ended his UFC run on a two-fight winning streak, scoring a “Knockout of the Night” over Duane Ludwig prior to the win over Sadollah.