DAN HARDY has signed for the Professional Fighters League in a bid to help scout the next wave of MMA stars.
The British MMA pioneer has joined the PFL as their head of fighter operations in Europe.
And among his roles will be recruiting talent in both the UK and Europe by identifying the next crop of talent.
PFL CEO Peter Murray told SunSport: "We’re excited about this inaugural season and Dan Hardy has joined PFL Europe.
“He’ll play a key role in the well-being, development of fighters, identifying talent throughout Europe, recruiting, signing.
“He’ll be looking after the fighters as well as running operations.”
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The PFL is competed over qualifying and knockout stages with winners in each division taking home a $1million cash prize.
Two qualifying bouts, with points earned per method of victory, sets up the top four to progress into the semi-final and finale stages.
PFL Europe launches this month and follows a similar format, with winners taking home $100,000 and a place in the global league.
And Hardy – who lost a UFC title challenge against all-time great Georges St-Pierre in 2010 – will help discover contenders.
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Murray said: “The role is to develop and sign top talent not just from the UK but throughout Europe.
“And to get them on the path to becoming potentially PFL Europe champions and then they would have the opportunity for PFL global.
“That’s really the backbone of the PFL’s system to grow the sport, giving athletes at different stages of their career opportunities to compete against top competition.”
The PFL also recently announced a "super-fight" series which will be headed up by YouTuber-turned boxer Jake Paul.
And the introduction of Hardy, 40, in Europe sees the PFL add another exciting string to their ever-growing bow.
Murray added: “It’s incredibly important for us as we build these regional and international leagues, we’ll do it with the best athletes and minds in MMA and sport.
“And Dan, he’s had 25 pro wins, nearly two decades of professional MMA experience, he’ll bring all of that combined with his exceptional analytical mind.
“He’ll continue to play a broadcasting role for PFL within our global season events but in regards to PFL Europe, he’ll really be evaluating the talent as well as the quality of competition.”
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