Veronica Hardy

Veronica Hardy (Macedo; born October 30, 1995) is a Venezuelan mixed martial artist (MMA) who competes in the women’s Flyweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Early life
Growing up in a family with a passion for martial arts, Veronica's early life was immersed in a culture that fostered her love for the sport. Veronica began training in Taekwondo at the age of four and quickly demonstrated exceptional talent, earning her black belt by the age of twelve. A dedicated and disciplined student, she also pursued training in other disciplines such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Karate, and Kickboxing. As Venezuela faced political and economic turmoil, the Macedo family decided to move to Poland in search of a better life. In this new environment, Veronica was exposed to different styles of martial arts and continued her training. The move ultimately led to her finding her true passion—mixed martial arts (MMA).

Over the next few years, she continued to hone her skills in various disciplines, such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Taekwondo, and Muay Thai.

Early career
Before joining the UFC, Veronica Hardy had a professional MMA record of 5-0-1. She competed in various regional promotions in Europe. Her impressive performance on the regional circuit caught the attention of the UFC, which led to her signing with the promotion in 2016.

Ultimate Fighting Championship
Hardy faced Ashlee Evans-Smith on September 3, 2016 at UFC Fight Night 93. She lost the fight via technical knockout in round three.

Hardy faced Andrea Lee on May 19, 2018 at UFC Fight Night 129. She lost the fight by unanimous decision. This fight earned her the Fight of the Night bonus.

Hardy faced Gillian Robertson on February 23, 2019 at UFC Fight Night: Błachowicz vs. Santos. She lost the fight via submission in the second round.

Hardy was scheduled to face Rachael Ostovich on August 10, 2019 at UFC on ESPN+ 14. However, it was announced on July 29, 2019 that Ostovich was replaced by Polyana Viana for undisclosed reason. Hardy won the fight via a submission in round one. This win earned her the Performance of the Night award.

Hardy was scheduled to face Amanda Lemos on December 21, 2019 at UFC on ESPN+ 23. However, her bout with Amanda Lemos was cancelled and she was scheduled to face Ariane Lipski on November 16, 2019 at UFC on ESPN+ 22, replacing Priscila Cachoeira who was tested positive for a diuretic. In turn Hardy was not cleared to fight by the Brazilian athletic commission due to severe headaches one day before the fight was taken place and she was replaced by newcomer Isabella de Padua.

Hardy faced Bea Malecki on March 14, 2020 at UFC Fight Night 170. She lost the fight via unanimous decision.

After the bout, Hardy retired from MMA due to concussion issues.

After over three years since her last bout, Hardy returned on March 18, 2023 at UFC 286 against Juliana Miller. She won the fight by unanimous decision.

Hardy faced Jamey-Lyn Horth on December 2, 2023, at UFC on ESPN 52. She won the fight via split decision.

Hardy faced JJ Aldrich at UFC on ESPN 56 on May 11, 2024. She won the fight by unanimous decision.

Personal life
Hardy married former UFC fighter Dan Hardy on December 25, 2022.

Mixed martial arts

 * Ultimate Fighting Championship
 * Fight of the Night (One time) vs. Andrea Lee
 * Performance of the Night (One time) vs. Polyana Viana