The reality is most MMA dreams fail – HardwickImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Harry Hardwick made his UFC debut in September 2025, 10 years after he started his professional careerBySean ByrneBBC Sport journalistPublished50 minutes agoWhen Harry Hardwick was working at his dad’s cafe in Middlesbrough to fund his dream of becoming a UFC fighter, the bright lights of Las Vegas felt a world away.”It’s not a sensible idea, pursuing MMA,” he says.But in September 2025, on just five days’ notice Hardwick stepped in to face Brazil’s Kaue Fernandes for his UFC debut – over 10 years after his first professional MMA fight.
Unfortunately for Hardwick, the fight didn’t go to plan – he suffered a painful first-round loss and left the octagon in a wheelchair.
Now the 31-year-old has a second chance to prove himself as he faces the undefeated Marwan Rahiki on Saturday at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas.
After a full camp and back at his preferred weight class of featherweight, Hardwick is expecting a better performance this time round.
A second defeat could see him cut from the UFC – but after a career filled with highs and lows, he still feels thankful to be “one of the few MMA fighters that has escaped the rat race”.
“I pinch myself because I’m very fortunate to be where I am,” Hardwick tellsBBC Sport.
“I’ve still got a lot I want to do, and I’m still very much looking forward, but this is mad.
“The harshest reality is that most dreams fail.”
