Dan Hardy: I expect blood and guts

NOTTINGHAM'S Dan Hardy says he is expecting a war when he makes his long-awaited UFC debut in Birmingham, on Saturday October 18.

"I am preparing for lots of blood and guts,", said Hardy, who takes on Japanese veteran Akihiro Gono.

"I can't even tell you how exciting this fight will be but my hand will be raised at the end."

Hardy flew out to LA the day after watching UFC 85 in London.

"LA is almost like a second home to me now," said Hardy.

"I've been out here for two months training BJJ with Eddie Bravo.

"I've been training in LA then hopping in the hire car and travelling to Vegas for sparring at Xtreme Couture.

"I'm getting tied in knots and beat up at lot but that's the kind of training it takes to be a UFC fighter.

"It was great seeing the UFC up close and seeing the behind-the-scenes machine. Now I've got a little idea as to how things work, hopefully it won't be such a big deal in October.

Gono, 33, has won six of his last seven MMA bouts and will present a stern test for Hardy. "I've been thrown in the deep end but that's exactly what I wanted and why I delayed coming to the UFC until I was sure I was ready," added Hardy.

"Winning this fight is so important because I want to show everyone I belong at this level.

"I want UFC fans going home saying, 'Did you see what that guy Hardy did in there?'"