Hardwick has spent most of his career living at home with his parents in Middlesbrough, having only bought his first house last year with money earned from Cage Warriors title fights.
While admitting his mum would be “very pleased” if he retired, he stresses that he’s “so grateful” for them supporting his career and providing a roof over his head.
But while many young MMA athletes dream of a luxurious lifestyle funded by fight pay, Hardwick knows this isn’t always the case.
“If you want to pursue a career in MMA, be prepared to live at your parents’ house until you’re 31,” he says.
“I would tell any kid who has this dream of being an MMA fighter, who might see Conor McGregor and think they’re going to be a millionaire… I’d tell them that’s not how it works.
“Even to get to that point, you’re going to have to go through a spell of being broke and having the inconsistency of fighting.”
In 2020, Hardwick says he considered leaving fighting to become a full-time coach, with his 5-3 record and the UFC looking like a distant dream.
Five years later, Hardwick was so desperate for an opportunity that he flew to Abu Dhabi using his own money and with his weight low in case a fighter was forced to pull out on late notice at the UFC event being held there that week.
No fighter pulled out, but his information was passed on to UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard, and a month later the chance came for him to appear on a card.
But despite all the risks and calling MMA a “stupid” career, Hardwick admits it’s always been the best choice for him.
“Even with all this negative stuff that I can say, the financial instability… So what?” he says.
“Those times in the gym, where we’re cracking on and working hard, they’re some of the best times in my life.
“There’s something about MMA. While the option is there, I’m healthy and I can fight, I will.”