Harry Hardwick took to social media to reassure his fans after a brutal UFC defeat on Saturday, although the video he posted might not have eased concerns.
Hardwick fell to 0-2 in the UFC with a stoppage loss to Marwan Rahiki in Las Vegas, as the latter produced an onslaught that left the Briton unable to emerge for the third round.
Hardwick’s chief concern was a broken jaw, which required him to go to hospital as soon as possible after the featherweight contest, and the injury was clear to see as he addressed his fans on Instagram.
In a video shared via Instagram stories, the 31-year-old sported medical apparatus around his head and appeared to be speaking from a vehicle.
He said: “Everybody, I’m okay. My jaw is obviously f***ed, that’s alright; I like soup, I like smoothies, and I like milkshakes, and I like energy drinks. So, all these things, I can still have.
“Life’s good. I cannot complain about my position. I have an amazing, beautiful girlfriend, good health, good family, good support network.
“No one needs to cry for me, I’m okay. I’m obviously gutted, but that’s the sport I’m in. I wanted to win, but it is what it is.
“Hats off to Marwan, he threw the shot that broke my jaw. He did it on purpose, it’s not luck. It is what it is.”
It appeared to be a clean left hook that broke Hardwick’s jaw, before Rahiki poured on more shots in a prolonged beating – although Hardwick showed immense resilience to absorb the punches and keep throwing back when he could.
Rahiki later commented on a joint Instagram post from Hardwick and MMA Fighting, which quoted the Briton’s words from his Instagram story. The unbeaten 23-year-old wrote: “Fast recovery.” Meanwhile, Hardwick commented: “Morphine had just kicked in before I started talking all that waffle.”
Hardwick had actually come in for criticism following his UFC debut in September, as he was unable to continue after suffering a series of leg kicks. While some questioned the Middlesbrough fighter’s heart after that loss to Kaue Fernandes, there was no such sentiment last weekend.
“I was critical of Harry Hardwick but he is extremely tough,” tweeted UFC fighter Cub Swanson, “and I don’t wish a broken jaw on anyone. I’ve been there before. Speedy recovery.”
Fellow UFC athlete Terrance McKinney added: “Hardwick said f[***] what you heard I’m here to fight. rahiki just had to [sic] much power. smart move [by Hardwick], protect your body man.”
Hardwick later shared a photo from hospital, showing himself alongside his girlfriend Holly. The caption read: “I wasn’t good enough tonight and I lost in the cage but I’m never losing in life with you by my side.”
Holly wrote in her own post: “So proud of you. Seeing how much heart, strength and dedication you put into everything makes me love and admire you even more. I’ll forever be proud of you — my fighter, my inspiration and my man, always.”
