UFC Paris is less than a week away as European fighters are all making their final preparations. However, one bout in the Lightweight division between Fares Ziam and Kaue Fernandez had been cancelled.
This was due to Ziam withdrawing after the passing of his grandmother, but this didn’t mean a fight would be taken off the card.
On five days’ notice, a Cage Warriors star steps up as the replacement and competes in his first UFC event.
Hardwick arrives after an impressive Cage Warriors stint
There are always plenty of English prospects who aim to shine in Cage Warriors before making their way to the UFC.
Luke Riley signed for the UFC despite never becoming a champion in the European MMA promotion.
But, Harry Hardwick has become a Featherweight Champion and has never been beaten in the organisation.
‘Houdini’ competed in Bellator twice, earning a win and a loss via decision before embarking on his Cage Warriors journey.
The Englishman went the distance in his first four Cage Warriors bouts, claiming three decision wins and a majority draw.
Hardwick then became recognised in the 145-pound division after pulling off a second-round submission win against Vitor Estevam at CW 157.
After becoming champion at CW 172, the Middlesbrough fighter made two successful defences, showing that he has what it takes.
Now, he competes in the most prominent MMA organisation, but on such short notice, it’s going to be hard to pull off a victory.
Hardwick’s Opponent
Fernandes last fought in London, where he defeated Guram Kutateladze by unanimous decision, a teammate of Ilia Topuria.
The Brazilian picked up his first UFC win in Abu Dhabi, stopping Mohammad Yahya by first-round TKO.
The 30-year-old has only lost two bouts in his MMA career, one of them coming against an English fighter, Marc Diakese, on his UFC debut.
Therefore, a win in Paris would feel like Fernandes has conquered an English mixed martial artist.
Will 155 pounds be a challenge for Hardwick?
The Cage Warriors Champion usually compete at Featherweight, but his bout with Fernandes will be at Lightweight.
Hardwick’s brother, George Hardwick, competes at 155 pounds and has been the Lightweight Champion of Cage Warriors.
‘King’ did fight for a UFC contract on season seven of Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS), but lost to Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady by unanimous decision.
Nonetheless, Hardwick will be used to training against fighters over 155 pounds, so it shouldn’t be too much of an issue.
But, with limited preparation for his UFC fight, the weight could play a huge factor at the Accor Arena.