Marcus Hardiman - Art of War 20 - photo by William McKee for Art of War Cage Fighting
Marcus Hardiman reflects on first title win at AOW 20, bright future
Interview with Marcus Hardiman above
I have been cageside on commentary at Art of War Cage Fighting for each of Marcus Hardiman’s four fights. Not only has he left the cage with his arm raised each time, he has continued to add to his arsenal of skills and is becoming a very well rounded mixed martial artist with a very bright future. Last year, when Marcus and I spoke, he told me that he had joined forces with Bill Algeo MMA and Kickboxing, it put a smile on my face because I knew that it was a career decision that he will look back upon and point to as a choice that could help propel him to the next level.
Looking at Hardiman, it’s easy to see the wrestling body and base. He can enter the cage and out-wrestle almost anyone but to advance your career, you need to do much more and his striking is now evolving with the UFC fighter and strategic mastermind “Senor Perfecto” Bill Algeo as his head trainer. Algeo started in the sport very similarly always looking to wrestle and grapple, but has become a fighter who would rather stand and use his wide array of muay-thai attacks making an exciting fight for everyone. This style has been influenced by another brilliant mind in Kru Eric Karner.
At Art of War 20, Hardiman got his first chance at a championship and did not disappoint as he was dominant for all 3 rounds making his record 4-0 with his first taste of gold. Hardiman was very happy and MyMMANews caught up with him to see how he was feeling about his victory and life in general. I asked him about the beginning moments of his bout when he landed a vicious left hand to set the tone. He says…
“That is just something we have been working on. We have been trying to add more and more variety and continue to improve everywhere. This was awesome to win my first belt with family and friends watching. I’m getting married to my best friend, Hannah Elizabeth next month, and life is just great right now. Bill has his UFC fight after that so I am going to be devoted to his camp and helping him prepare and early in 2022, I expect to get back in there myself.”
Please check out our interview on the link above. Hardiman is a blue chip professional prospect and it wouldn’t surprise me to see him earning a paycheck later in 2022 or early 2023 at the latest. Marcus is in a good spot in his life and career and I expect big things from this young man in the cage in the future.
