Dan Hardy vs Chris Lytle Planned For UFC Live 5A welterweight matchup between British striker Dan “The Outlaw” Hardy and long-time UFC veteran Chris “Lights Out” Lytle is currently in the works for UFC Live 5 on August 14th in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Nottingham Post first reported on the targeted bout between the fan favourites.

Hardy is looking to end a three-fight losing streak that began when he came up short against UFC Welterweight Champion Georges “Rush” St. Pierre on March 27, 2010. Lytle is also coming off of a defeat in his most recent bout, but had won four straight fights before the decision loss in February.

Hardy (23-9-0, 1 NC) won 12 of 13 fights leading up to his unsuccessful title bid against St. Pierre last year. During that time, he picked up UFC victories over Akihiro Gono, Rory Markham and former top contenders Marcus Davis and Mike Swick. Though he showed incredible resolve in fighting through submissions from St. Pierre, Hardy wound up on the wrong side of a Unanimous Decision after five rounds. Since that time, Hardy has suffered his first knockout loss, to Carlos Condit last October, and was most recently decisioned by Anthony “Rumble” Johnson.

Lytle (30-18-5) was once relegated to gatekeeper status inside the Octagon, but has enjoyed a career resurgence in recent years while picking up numerous fight bonuses for his exciting bouts and fight finishes. After dropping back-to-back decisions to former champions Matt Serra and Matt Hughes, Lytle has adopted a fan-friendly brawler style that has earned him eight victories in his last 12 bouts over a four-year span. The veteran appeared to be on the brink of title contention until a decision loss to Brian “Bad Boy” Ebersole at UFC 127 in February.

With both fighters possessing knockout power, the August matchup between Hardy and Lytle could turn into a slugfest, but Lytle has shown in recent fights that he is willing to take opponents down and finish with submissions if opportunities present themselves. As Hardy is likely one defeat away from being cut from the promotion, he will need to pick up an impressive victory over Lytle in order to remain among the contenders at 170.

UFC Live 5 takes place on August 14th at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A lightweight bout between Jim Miller and former WEC champ Ben “Smooth” Henderson was also announced for the card this week.

 

 

(Photo Credit: Sherdog.com)