ANAHEIM, California — Make no mistake about it. UFC welterweight champ Georges St-Pierre is not taking Dan Hardy, the challenger to his belt at UFC 111, lightly.

“I am fighting the most dangerous guy in my career,” said St-Pierre, on a conference call with reporters.

Hardy is not only well rounded, but he’s a smart fighter, a thinking fighter and a great counter puncher, said St-Pierre.

“These are the most dangerous guys, and he is surrounded by a great team,” said St-Pierre. “The worst thing I can do is underestimated him.”

While acknowledging that no one is invincible, St-Pierre said he is on top of his game and is up for any challenge Hardy.

“Right now the is the best Georges St-Pierre I have ever been,” he said. “I have trained to fight an army, and one guy cannot stop me. I have never been this pumped up for a fight.”

Hardy is also pumped, especially because he is the underdog.

“I have been in this situation 100 times before,” he said. “Every time I step in into the cage I’m supposed to lose. I have heard that all throughout my career.”

Hardy said he’s willing to stand and trade with anyone and intends to go into the fight confident and with the attitude that he has nothing to lose.

If the scheduled five-round bout in Newark, New Jersey turns into a slugfest, the champ said he’s ready.

“I’m ready for a war,” he said. “I am not worried about getting punched at all.”