Dan Hardy talked a lot of smack going into his UFC 99 match with popular veteran Marcus Davis and he backed it up with a split decision win in a fight that went back and forth through all aspects of the MMA game.

From the beginning, Marcus Davis attempted to force Dan Hardy out of his element. Davis, a former pro boxer showed no interest in exchanging on the feet with the British kickboxer. Instead, he forced him against the fence, got a takedown and worked a ground control game.  But Hardy defended well and once the two fighters were back on their feet he showed why Davis was wise to avoid the standing exchanges by scoring an elbow that cut Davis.

In the second, Hardy scored with kicks to start the round and then dropped Davis with a knee to the face. Davis used his guard well, threatening arm bars before a ref standup gave Davis a chance to score a takedown and get on top to end the round.

To start the third, Davis dropped Hardy with a clean shot and followed him down into Hardy's guard. Davis dropped back for a knee bar and a heel hook that Hardy escaped. Going back to their feet, Hardy got a takedown and scored with brutal elbows that cut Davis, forcing a medical inspection. Davis staggered to his feet but it was allowed to continue. Back on their feet, Hardy managed to evade a blood-blinded Davis to work down the clock and grab the decision.

UFC 99: The Comeback coverage