The former NFL star turned professional MMA fighter has asthma and that makes him terrified to compete this weekend, as the event is being held during the coronavirus pandemic.
“I’m terrified, man,” Hardy said at the UFC 249 virtual scrum (via Danny Segura of MMA Junkie). “But that’s not going to stop me from paving the way and making sure my boss has the most entertaining fight – (the) first event out of all sports. This is the biggest event, and it needs the biggest athletes.”
Hardy has already competed multiple times as an amateur and professional MMA fighter with asthma, but this time the coronavirus pandemic is raging on.
One huge reason that Hardy decided to move forward and compete at UFC 249 is due to his loyalty to the UFC.
“The guys take care of me. They make sure everything is done right, everything is done on time. They take care of my needs, and I think that’s worth loyalty,” Hardy said.
UFC 249 takes place on Saturday, May 9 from the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida with Tony Ferguson and Justin Gaethje headlining. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, with a post-show podcast to follow.
