UFC: Harry Hardwick works night shifts and lives with his parents at the age of 31 before his UFC opportunity

Hardwick has spent most of his career at home with his parents in Middlesbrough, having only bought his first home last year with money he earned from Cage Warriors title fights.

While he admitted that his mother would be “very happy” if he retired, he stressed that he was “extremely grateful” for their support of his career and providing a roof over his head.

But while many young MMA athletes dream of a luxurious lifestyle funded by fight money, Hardwick knows that’s not always the case.

“If you want to pursue a career in mixed martial arts, be prepared to live at your parents’ house until you’re 31,” he says.

“I would say to any kid who has this dream of becoming an MMA fighter, who might see Conor McGregor and think he’s going to be a millionaire… I would tell him that’s not how it works.

“Even to get to this point, you will have to go through a period of bankruptcy and inconsistency in fighting.”

In 2020, Hardwick said he considered leaving fighting to become a full-time trainer, with his 5-3 record and the UFC championship looking like a distant dream.

Five years later, Hardwick was so desperate for a shot that he flew to Abu Dhabi using his own money and a reduced weight in case a fighter had to withdraw late from a UFC event being held there that week.

Neither fighter withdrew, but his information was passed on to UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard, and a month later came his opportunity to appear on the card.

But despite all the risks and calling mixed martial arts a “stupid” profession, Hardwick admits it was always the best option for him.

“Even with all the negative things I can say, the financial instability… so what?” He says.

“Those times in the gym, where we grind and work hard, are some of the best times of my life.

“There’s something about mixed martial arts. While the option is there, ‘I’m healthy and I can fight, I’ll do it.’