Veronica Macedo

Veronica Hardy (; born October 30, 1995) is a Venezuelan mixed martial artist who currently 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 aptitude for the discipline, earning her black belt by the age of twelve. She also pursued training in other disciplines such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Karate, and Kickboxing. As Venezuela faced political and economic turmoil, her family decided to move to Poland in search of better living conditions. There, Veronica continued her training on various martial arts. The move ultimately led to her pursuing a career in mixed martial arts (MMA).

Over the next few years, she continued to train in various disciplines, such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Taekwondo, and Muay Thai. 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 145. She lost the fight via submission in the second round.

Hardy was scheduled to face Rachael Ostovich on August 10, 2019 at UFC Fight Night 156. 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 Fight Night 165. 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.

Hardy faced Eduarda Moura on November 16, 2024 at UFC 309. She lost the fight by unanimous decision.

Hardy faced Brogan Walker on October 4, 2025 at UFC 320. She won the fight by unanimous decision.

Hardy was scheduled to face Dione Barbosa on July 18, 2026 at UFC Fight Night 281. However, Hardy pulled out in early July after suffering a cut during training and was replaced by promotional newcomer Anna Melisano.

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

Championships and awards Mixed martial arts Ultimate Fighting Championship Fight of the Night (One time) Win

Chrissy Audin KO (head kick) Say Uncle Fight Night 2

Sheffield, England Win

Angela Danzig TKO (head kick and punches) MMA Battle Arena: Team USA vs. Team UK

Leicester, England