Hardy is looking to end a three-game losing battle that began when he became champion of UFC welterweight Georges goes against "Rush" St-Pierre on March 27, 2010. Lytle also coming off a loss in his most recent fight, but won four straight fights before losing a decision in February.
Hardy (23-9-0, 1 NC) won 12 of 13 fights leading up to his unsuccessful title bid against St. Pierre last year. During that time, he picked up UFC victories over Akihiro Gono, Rory Markham and former top contenders Marcus Davis and Mike Swick. Though he showed incredible resolve in fighting through submissions from St. Pierre, Hardy wound up on the wrong side of a Unanimous Decision after five rounds. Since that time, Hardy has suffered his first knockout loss, to Carlos Condit last October, and was most recently decisioned by Anthony “Rumble” Johnson.
Lytle (30-18-5) was once relegated to gatekeeper status inside the Octagon, but has enjoyed a career resurgence in recent years while picking up numerous fight bonuses for his exciting bouts and fight finishes. After dropping back-to-back decisions to former champions Matt Serra and Matt Hughes, Lytle has adopted a fan-friendly brawler style that has earned him eight victories in his last 12 bouts over a four-year span. The veteran appeared to be on the brink of title contention until a decision loss to Brian “Bad Boy” Ebersole at UFC 127 in February.
When both fighters with knockout power in August in Marble between Hardy and could turn into slugfest Lytle, but Lytle has demonstrated in recent fights that he is ready to take your opponent and, finally, the materials, if events . As Hardy is likely to be a defeat away from a cut in the promotion, he or she needs to take an impressive victory to remain among the contenders Lytle 170
UFC live-5 is August 14 at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Light attack between Jim Miller and former WEC champion Ben "Smooth" Henderson was also announced this week the board.