Dan 'The Outlaw' Hardy is preparing to fight Marcus Davis at UFC 99 in Cologne Germany.

Dan took some time out of his training schedule to talk to WatchKalibRun about the upcoming fight, being on the first German card, his plan for Marcus Davis, TUF 9 and even a little soccer, I mean football. Enjoy!

WatchKalibRun: How do you feel about the prospect of fighting on the first UFC German card?

Dan Hardy: It's going to be awesome! I'm honored to be a part of the UFC's expansion into Europe and I think the show will be great. the fight card is looking very strong and the support from the fans will be fantastic, with it being the first one in Germany.

WKR: German officials recently banned minors from attending the event. What are your thoughts about the legislative intrusion into a sporting event?

Dan Hardy: I think its a shame, not everyone can be as open minded as we would like, its just a shame those people have any power. Once the UFC is established there, I think people will come around once they have been educated about the sport.

WKR: There has been a recent war of words between you and Marcus Davis where you called him "a fake Irishman." Is there general animosity between the two of you?

Dan Hardy: This is not an act, I called him out on a few things and touched a couple of nerves and now he wont stop whining. I met him before and he seemed like a decent guy, I don't need any more friends though, I need opponents. I don't like the fact that he thinks he has some kind of hold over the U.K. I'll keep poking fun at him to make sure he is training hard, then when I beat him down, he will have no excuses.

WKR: Davis started his fighting career as a boxer. Are you concerned that he may have more polished stand up than you?

Dan Hardy: Not at all, this isn't boxing and if he was that good as a boxer, he would still be doing it. I think he is underestimating the damage I can do to him. We will see in the fight how long he wants to box for.

WKR: What steps are you taking in training for this fight?

Dan Hardy: I'm just preparing myself for a three round war. If within that time he falls unconscious, then its a bonus. I'm making sure I am fitter, stronger and technically better than ever before, and I have a few new tricks up my sleeve too!

WKR: Do you see any weakness in Davis' skill set?

Dan Hardy: I see lots of weaknesses, that doesn't mean I don't think he is a good fighter, because he is. What he can do, he is very good at, I just think I am a terrible match up for him. I am taller, faster and much better looking....and he knows all of these things.

WKR: Are you looking to improve any particular skill set for this upcoming fight?

Dan Hardy: Not really, I'm working on everything equally. I feel I already have the skills to beat Davis, so anything extra is a bonus.

WKR: After your victory over Rory Markham at UFC 95 many observers saw it as your coming out party and elevated you to the top UFC U.K. prospect since Michael Bisping. Do you feel any added pressure due to this perception?

Dan Hardy: Not at all, I am honored to be held in high regard. I was pleased with that performance, I just wish I had more time to work a little. I had such a good training camp and I felt like I had more to offer. this fight will be my chance though, I hope.

WKR: A lot of North American MMA fans think that this side of the pond features better MMA fighters. Do you think the gap is closing or is that opinion even warranted?

Dan Hardy: I think the gap is closing but it will take a little more time. as the number of MMA fighters in the U.K. increases, so will the standard. like I always say though, what we lack in technique, we make up for in violence.

WKR: Would you ever considering training in the States full time?

Dan Hardy: I train there pretty much full time now, I only come back for fight camp with my team. when I start fighting over there though, I will bring my team out to me. I live in LA most of the time with my girl, she is American.

WKR: What are your thoughts about Team U.K. for the ninth season of The Ultimate Fighter?

Dan Hardy: I think, for the most part they are a very strong team. there are a couple of guys that are wasting the opportunity but that will always happen. they are proving to the world, that the U.K. can compete, its not just the odd fighter that has success.

WKR: Who do you think will prevail (no spoilers!) Team U.K. or Team U.S.A.?

Dan Hardy: The U.K. team seem to have more heart and are all about business. they are there to do a job, the U.S. team spend too much time bitching at each other. plus, I have team mates on the U.K. team, so I have to support them!

WKR: The UFC welterweight division is notorious for being a ‘shark tank.' Do you feel that the divisional picture may be insurmountable in the short term?

Dan Hardy: There are a lot of strong fighter is the division, that just makes getting to the top that much better. I'm certainly not going to get to the top in the near future, but as I progress through my career and improve as a fighter, the top will be within reach.

WKR: Where do you see yourself in the divisional picture?

Dan Hardy: I see myself as maybe just outside of the top ten. Not because of skill level, but because of career progress. I feel I'm able to beat anyone outside of the top five right now, the top five will need a little more work though.

WKR: Who would you most like to fight in the welterweight division?

Dan Hardy: Marcus Davis

WKR: Many fans associate your nickname, ‘The Outlaw' with Robin Hood but that isn't the case isn't it?

Dan Hardy: I had a disagreement with an old coach and he told all of my training partners, that they weren't allowed to train with me. when I signed up to the cage warriors forum looking for training partners, I used the outlaw. it stuck because of the link to robin hood and Nottingham though. I think it suits me, maybe I have grown into the nickname!

WKR: How did the UFC approach you for fighting in the promotion?

Dan Hardy: They had shown interest in me a few fights before but I felt I wasn't ready to give my best. I waited and beat some better opposition and they offered again. the timing felt right and a wanted to be a part of the UFC's expansion into the U.K.

WKR: What is your favorite football club?

Dan Hardy: I don't have one if you mean soccer, can't stand it. I'll take Nottingham panthers (ice hockey) above any soccer team in the world.

WKR: What is your favorite American football team? (I have to be an equal opportunity employer when it comes to football questions).

Dan Hardy: I like a few teams and because I'm English, I can follow any! I particularly like the raiders and the cowboys. although, I was supporting the cardinals at the Super bowl because I love watching Larry Fitzgerald.

WKR: Will Manchester United beat Barcelona in the upcoming Champions League final?

Dan Hardy: I want to say 'yes' just because they are English, but to be honest I couldn't name one player on either team. I go out of my way to avoid all media regarding football, people getting paid way too much to roll around on the floor faking injury.