Isaac Hardman, Queensland’s own boxing sensation, is gearing up to make a major impact in Australia’s newest combat sport — brawling. Known for his explosive power and fearless in-ring persona, Hardman now finds himself at the forefront of the International Brawling Championships (IBC), an ambitious new league designed to revolutionize fight entertainment in the country.
So, just how suited is Hardman for a sport that strips down boxing to its bare essentials, with smaller gloves, compressed cages, and rounds lasting just two minutes?
“And two minute rounds,” the Queenslander grins. “It means I could go sink four pints of Guinness after weighing in and still punch some f***er’s head in by fight night.”
The 30-year-old, who previously shared the same No Limit boxing stable as Australia’s Tszyu brothers, has now emerged as the marquee fighter for the IBC. Widely known as ‘Headsplitter,’ Hardman is set to headline the league’s first major Main Event this Friday night in Brisbane, where he will square off against Gold Coaster Jordan Towns.
Hardman admits the sport is perfect for his aggressive, fast-paced style. “So I’m full fing throttle with this,” he told Fox Sports Australia, letting out his signature cackle. “I’m going out there to chin this c.”
For Hardman, the ambition goes beyond winning bouts. He’s aiming to become something of a modern-day Chuck Liddell — a comparison encouraged by IBC’s founder, Daniel Mac. In just eight months, Mac has transformed a concept that once seemed far-fetched into a league he believes could eventually grow into a billion-dollar sporting empire.
“That may sound familiar, right?” Hardman said, reflecting on MMA legend Chuck Liddell. “Especially when you recall how back in the early 2000s, it was American slugger Liddell who — in a chaotic swirl all mohawk and fists — went and helped transform a dud UFC franchise into the global sporting empire that is now worth upwards of $15 billion.”
Liddell, affectionately known as ‘The Iceman,’ helped mainstream MMA with unforgettable battles against the likes of Tito Ortiz, Randy Couture, and Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson. Hardman sees his own path in the IBC following a similar blueprint.
“Which has also been Uncle Dan’s message to me,” Hardman said of Mac. “He said to go be the Chuck Liddell of the IBC. Which is funny because it’s The Iceman who got me into all this. First time I saw him fight, I was hooked. So now I want to do the same for the IBC. Uncle Dan’s mantra is a billion dollars or broke — and I’m all for it. And, no, I don’t have a mohawk. But let me tell you, I can f***ing punch like a horse kicks.”
Hardman has earned a reputation for his knockout power and charismatic personality during fight week, often stirring up headlines in Australian boxing circles. He previously enjoyed memorable bouts, including a notable feud with Michael Zerafa. But when it comes to his upcoming rival Jordan Towns, Hardman has nothing but respect.
The two fighters have shared the ring before, sparring during Hardman’s boxing career. The Queenslander boasts an undefeated streak across his first twelve professional fights as a middleweight, reaching a world ranking along the way. Before that, he carved out a successful domestic MMA career, going undefeated in nine professional bouts and claiming three national titles.
Hardman sees brawling as a perfect avenue to leverage his combat experience. Comparing himself to American fighter Mike Perry, who transitioned from the UFC to the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) and became its standout star, Hardman said: “f***ing absolutely.”
He explained that the unique structure of brawling suits his high-intensity style. “Because let’s not beat around the bush,” he said, “I’m not the type of boxer who is going to get on the jab for 10 rounds, move my head and so on. So brawling for me, it’s unreal. I’m no scrub in the boxing ring. You can’t be if you’re being asked to spar with the likes of Caleb Plant and Shane Mosley Jnr. But put me in a big ring and my opponents are moving, getting on the jab, being evasive. But when you’re locked in a fing five by five cage with me? There’s no fing running. And with two minute rounds as well, I could go sink four pints of Guinness after weighing in and still punch some f***ers head in by fight night.”
Reflecting on Mike Perry’s journey in BKFC, Hardman continued: “Mike Perry had a good run in the UFC, had some great knockouts, but then he got cut and went to boxing, where he was never the best, was beaten by Jake Paul and wouldn’t even really be considered above a C Level. But since moving across to bareknuckle, the guy has really found his niche. He’s just made for that sport. No, he isn’t the tidiest boxer, but he doesn’t need to be. And the c*** is made of granite. Fighting bareknuckle, he’s incredibly effective. If he wants Jake Paul in BKFC, he dominates him.”
As for Hardman’s upcoming rival, Jordan Towns, who has previously sparred with him, Hardman offered both admiration and a confident prediction. “I’ll tell you what, he’s got bigger balls than most blokes. Because once I said ‘yes’, it was only a couple of minutes later that Jordan messaged me on Instagram with the handshake emoji. Said ‘see you November 28’. [Laughs] If anything, I almost felt insulted. I was thinking ‘hang on, this c*** thinks he’s better than me off our sparring’. But Jordan Towns, I honestly don’t have a bad word to say about him. The bloke rides Brahman bulls, does 100km ultramarathons, good on him. He’s just not f***ing winning this fight.”
With the Main Event just days away, all eyes are on Hardman to see if he can translate his boxing and MMA pedigree into brawling dominance. Fans will witness not just a fighter, but a new face of the sport, bringing both charisma and brutal skill to the cage. For Hardman, the goal is simple: make the IBC a must-watch spectacle while carving his own legacy in the sport he’s prepared to attack “full throttle.”
