Former professional mixed martial artist and current Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) commentator Dan Hardy frequently thinks back on his career and the different fighters he has faced. During one of his interviews, Hardy discussed the traditional fighting style of Dutch-Azeri fighter Gegard Mousasi.

Mousasi's style of fighting is similar to older martial arts traditions, Hardy said. This indicates that Mousasi favors techniques that are more rooted in traditional fighting styles, even though he competes in modern sports like the UFC, where competitors frequently emphasize quick techniques and eye-catching moves. Many fans may not completely comprehend or value this component of Mousasi's strategy, Hardy noted.

Hardy used a personal story about his encounter with opponent Akihiro Gono to support his argument. During their careers, Hardy and Mousasi faced Gono, which led to an intriguing comparison between their experiences. This similarity serves to emphasize how Mousasi's approach varies from that of many other contemporary UFC competitors.

Hardy's remarks are significant because they highlight the fact that some athletes continue to value basic fighting principles over more modern methods. It's similar to contrasting a brand-new sports car with a vintage car: both can be swift and amazing, but they cater to different markets and provide quite different experiences.

In a time when fighting techniques are advancing at a rapid pace, Gegard Mousasi stands out for his technical prowess and commitment to traditional methods. Hardy's observation serves as a reminder that, even in the highest echelons of combat sports, there is still merit in adhering to traditional values.