Harry Hardwick: UFC Fight, Brotherly Support & Weight Class Journey
Middlesbrough’s George Hardwick makes his UFC debut this Saturday, , a moment he admits feels significantly different than his last fight just months ago. Hardwick, a lightweight, reflects on the rapid turnaround and the improvements he’s made in preparation for his first octagon appearance.
“I was just saying to my training partners the other day – I was showing them pictures of the last fight week. My name wasn’t on my shorts. I didn’t have any abs, because I was in the wrong weight class. I hadn’t even had a chance to get a haircut, because it was that short notice. I’m glad I get the chance to do the pictures properly now!” Hardwick said, highlighting the stark contrast between his previous fight and the meticulous preparation afforded by a scheduled UFC bout.
Hardwick’s professional MMA record currently stands at 14-4-0, according to Tapology.com, though his UFC profile lists a 0-1-0 record within the organization. The discrepancy likely stems from the fact that his most recent fight, on , occurred outside of the UFC, in a CWFC event. He fights out of Middlesbrough Fight Academy and is currently 26 years old.
Central to Hardwick’s journey is the unwavering support of his brother, Harry Hardwick, a former Cage Warriors lightweight champion and Contender Series competitor. The sibling dynamic extends beyond familial bonds into a crucial partnership within their training, and careers. Harry will be in George’s corner on Saturday.
“We wouldn’t be fighting if we both weren’t doing it,” Harry Hardwick explained. “There has probably been a point where I’d have stopped if he wasn’t still doing it, and then there would have probably been a point where he’d have stopped if I if I wasn’t still doing it. We’ve always just lifted each other up.”
The relationship, Harry elaborated, is characterized by a unique blend of camaraderie and competition. “I think the thing with your brother in particular is, in life, they’re your first friend, but they’re too your first rival. There’s a lot of hard pushing each other in training. It’s been going on the 16, 17 years we’ve been training now. This journey, I wouldn’t be on it without him. It’s our journey. It’s not just me fighting, or it’s not just him fighting. It’s us.”
Hardwick’s UFC profile details his striking statistics. He has a striking accuracy of 39%, landing 54 significant strikes out of 139 attempted, averaging 3.60 significant strikes landed per minute. He absorbs 4.60 significant strikes per minute, and boasts a 71% significant strike defense. Notably, all of his significant strikes landed come from standing positions, with none recorded in the clinch or on the ground. His striking targets are heavily focused on the head (72% of landed strikes), with the remainder split between the body (20%) and legs (7%).
The lightweight division is currently a hotbed of activity within the UFC, as evidenced by recent ESPN coverage focusing on divisional rankings and upcoming matchups. While Hardwick enters the fray as a relatively unknown quantity, his debut comes at a time when the division is undergoing significant shifts, with fighters like Chimaev and Strickland making headlines. The UFC recently announced plans to issue 85,000 free tickets to a White House event, signaling a broader push to engage modern audiences and elevate the sport’s profile.
Hardwick’s grappling statistics are less prominent, with no takedowns or submission attempts recorded per 15 minutes. His takedown defense is a strong 83%, suggesting a solid ability to defend against grappling-focused opponents. He has not recorded any knockdowns in his professional career, with an average of 0.00 knockdowns per 15 minutes.
His debut represents a significant step up in competition, and the outcome will likely shape his trajectory within the organization. While he has yet to secure a win by KO/TKO, decision, or submission within the UFC, his overall professional record suggests a well-rounded skillset honed over years of training and competition. The support of his brother, coupled with his dedication to preparation, positions Hardwick as a fighter to watch in the lightweight division.
The UFC’s preview show for Saturday’s fight night offers a glimpse into the matchups and storylines unfolding this weekend, providing fans with an opportunity to learn more about Hardwick and his opponents. His journey, as highlighted by both George and Harry, is a testament to the power of familial support and the relentless pursuit of a shared dream.