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Johny Hendricks Deserves to Be Called Champ

Seeing Johny Hendricks keeled over in the center of the Octagon Saturday night felt downright egregious.
His five-round dethroning of long-time welterweight king Georges St-Pierre didn’t end the way it was supposed to. Hendricks’ efforts and tact…

Seeing Johny Hendricks keeled over in the center of the Octagon Saturday night felt downright egregious.

His five-round dethroning of long-time welterweight king Georges St-Pierre didn’t end the way it was supposed to. Hendricks’ efforts and tactically initiated game plan were not rewarded properly.

Instead, two lame ducks who call themselves judges decided to tally three rounds for GSP, leaving the challenger ill-willed and understandably salty after the fight.

As it stands right now, when you take into account how well Hendricks’ hands were moving and how inefficient St-Pierre’s wrestling was, this atrocious decision may be the most unforeseen call by a bunch of pencil pushers ever.

It’s truly unfortunate that not only Hendricks had to leave Las Vegas without a golden trophy around his waist but more so the fact that there’s no immediate and clear-cut way to fix these type of outcomes.

Hendricks has joined a long line of wrongfully defeated fighters from times past and literally has nothing at his disposal to change his misfortune bleeding over from UFC 167. For “Bigg Rigg,” perfecting his game and praying GSP finds his fire to compete again is the only thing he can do.

As far as the judges are concerned, there’s no quick fix for long-lasting mistakes like this. It’s a virus that will continue to eat the sport alive for as long as fights are scored simply on points, not by damage and overall Octagon dominance.

Fighters train so hard for so long that to have an outcome like that spill over into the cage on a night that the UFC was celebrating its 20th anniversary seems eerily sickening. Even Dana White displayed his frustration post-fight for a Nevada State Athletic Commission that blew yet another call and added to an already incompetent track record.

Also, the fact that White openly stated that he thought St-Pierre handily lost the fight speaks for itself.

Hendricks did what he needed to do to win and become champion, but some things don’t come to those who outright deserve it. For all intents and purposes, the heavy-handed Texan is a champion with no belt.

For 25 minutes, he beat the best fighter of all time. For five-straight rounds, he battered a mythical legend of the sport and made him pay at every turn.

It was something that resembled a Hollywood movie. The humble guy that works his whole life for the big shot finally gets it, delivers on all levels, but somehow he gets stripped of what’s rightfully his.

That’s exactly what played out last night in front of a sold out Las Vegas crowd and millions of pay-per-view onlookers. It was a plane crash of sorts. Something you needed to look at but were horrified to witness.

There’s no real way to repay Hendricks for the misery that has and will ensue following this disappointing climax until he ultimately gets a rematch. But for a guy that exceeded every single expectation that was thrown on his shoulders leading into this fight, he deserves to be called champ.

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UFC 167: 1 Fight for Georges St-Pierre to Take Next

On a night that was supposed to celebrate Georges St-Pierre’s legacy not tarnish it, one of the most elusive championships in the sport was practically ripped from Johny Hendrick’s arms.
On a night that was bound for optimal greatness as the UFC celebr…

On a night that was supposed to celebrate Georges St-Pierre’s legacy not tarnish it, one of the most elusive championships in the sport was practically ripped from Johny Hendrick’s arms.

On a night that was bound for optimal greatness as the UFC celebrated its 20th anniversary, two judges skewed yet another decision that was clear-cut reality.

On a night put forth by a promotion adamant on giving the fans the best fights around, a winner was crowned a loser and a legend stayed the course.

In other words, something seemed off.

If you watched last night’s main event at UFC 167 in Las Vegas, you know darn well that something didn’t play out the way it should have. Now whether it was the way two of the three judges scored St-Pierre’s dismal striking and inability to take Hendricks down round-by-round, we’ll never know.

But for Dana White to stand in front of the media at his usually happy-go-lucky post-fight press conference and say his biggest cash cow rightfully lost, you know somebody screwed the pooch.

The fact that St-Pierre more or less rewarded himself personal vacation time following the fight, which is something that would land any one of us on the unemployment list, was no more than raunchy icing on an already sour cake.

The only thing we can take away from last night, amidst the thick exhaust of the GOAT peeling off into the sunset, is that a rematch needs to be made.

There’s literally no other fight for St-Pierre or Hendricks to entertain. Obviously Hendricks still wants to fight and isn’t going to wait for GSP to get back from Barbados or wherever he’s going, but the guy deserves the belt, let alone another shot to take it.

So based on those implications, along with the fact that the UFC is a promotion that usually gets what it wants, it would shock a lot of people if Dana White and Lorenzo Fertitta are unable to sway the welterweight king in the right direction.

For the UFC, a rematch would mean dollar signs of unfathomable proportions. It would serve as the promotion’s greatest grudge match since Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen II. They could even schedule it for Hendricks’ home state of Texas at UFC 171 in Dallas.

Either way you look at it, there’s one and only one fight for GSP to take next. Not only to appease the masses and give a well-deserving challenger another shot to not leave it in the judges’ hands, but to forever solidify his legacy.

As a pure athlete, one who is fueled by ultimate competition and surviving adversity, there’s no way St-Pierre wants to leave the sport with this hanging over his head. It’s something that tarnishes a reputation, whether you’d like to admit it or not.

The pound-for-pound prince needs to step up one more time, realize he’s doing this for more than himself, battle through a final grueling training camp and promote a rematch as the biggest fight of all time and the legendary Georges St-Pierre’s final curtain call.

After that, he can take all the time off he wants.

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UFC 167: 3 Fights for Johny Hendricks to Take Next

Doesn’t this picture say it all?
In a welterweight showdown for the ages—one that commanded the majority of this year’s UFC spotlight—Johny Hendricks seemingly got robbed of his chance to wear the welterweight crown.
For five rounds, the Te…

Doesn’t this picture say it all?

In a welterweight showdown for the ages—one that commanded the majority of this year’s UFC spotlight—Johny Hendricks seemingly got robbed of his chance to wear the welterweight crown.

For five rounds, the Texan demoralized the champion with strong wrestling, brash power, exceptional conditioning and a will to win that’s rarely mirrored in today’s sport.

But after bashing Georges St-Pierre’s face for what seemed to be an eternity, it was Hendricks who dropped to his knees in disbelief when two of the three judges left their common sense backstage.

It was an outcome that caught Hendricks, Dana White, fans around the world and even St-Pierre off guard. It also once again proves that a challenger needs to definitively beat a champion to acquire the belt.

Winning three out of five rounds convincingly is not enough.

So in the aftermath of one of the most controversial calls in UFC history, as well as GSP’s post-fight layoff speech, Hendricks is left in limbo.

Here are three fights for “Bigg Rigg”—who some may now call “The True Champ”—to take next. Of course, these all hinge on St-Pierre’s future plans.

Rory MacDonald

Hendricks has reiterated time and time again that he doesn’t care who has the belt, as long as he gets the chance to take it.

Now while a fight with MacDonald seems like Bigg Rigg would be taking a step back from his title hopes by taking on a young kid coming off a loss, it would spell sweet revenge if he could knock out St-Pierre’s Canadian successor.

As one of the most athletically gifted and technical fighters in the UFC, MacDonald wouldn’t be a stepping stone by any means, but Hendricks’ power would get him back in the win column.

It would also give the UFC another opportunity to see if MacDonald can finally come through when the spotlight is biggest and see how he does against a guy who stifled his mentor for five straight rounds.

Winner of Carlos Condit vs. Matt Brown

Either one of these guys makes complete sense for the UFC and Hendricks moving forward.

Brown has displayed some of the best finishing ability in the division since he began his six-fight win streak. He has been unstoppable on his feet, brutal in the clinch and willing to exchange with any opponent.

As far as Condit is concerned, who wouldn’t want to see that rematch? His first fight opposite Hendricks earlier this year was one of the best bouts of 2013. They’re two elite welterweights with phenomenal chins, dynamic striking and overwhelming moxie.

So whether the UFC decides to promote Brown as the next big thing if he wins or set up a Condit rematch, Hendricks has key draws he can fall back on if GSP doesn’t man up.

Georges St-Pierre

For all intents and purposes, a championship rematch with St-Pierre should already be on Hendricks’ schedule for 2014.

Instead, after his worst performance since Matt Serra upset him at UFC 69, the champion has decided to “take some personal time.”

Nobody knows for sure what that means. GSP is a quintessential professional at heart and would never do anything to keep the UFC in limbo, but that’s exactly what he’s doing.

A rematch with Hendricks would produce exponential exposure and an overall draw similar to that of Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen II.

Now it’s possible that St-Pierre’s emotions got the best of him and a future talk with Dana White will square things away, but you never know. Fighters often want to retire at the top, and if the champ believes Hendricks will beat him when they meet again, do you think he’ll risk his legacy for money he doesn’t need?

In any case, if GSP is around and willing to fight, Hendricks will get his second shot at the belt. However, don’t count on the Nevada State Athletic Commission being part of the action.

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Rory MacDonald vs. Robbie Lawler: A Fight for No. 1 Rights

When UFC mainstay and pound-for-pound great Georges St-Pierre steps inside the Octagon later tonight, one of two things is going to happen: Either he defends his title for a ninth-straight time, or Johny Hendricks punches his way to the biggest victory…

Now, while a win for GSP would dispel any rumors of retiring, a win for Hendricks ultimately means a new king reigns supreme. Whichever momentous outcome rings true, the UFC welterweight title scene will be reshaped for 2014.

That’s where Rory MacDonald and Robbie Lawler come in.

As two of the more game fighters in the promotion, both welterweights possesses the overall Octagon presence to one day contend for a championship.

Fighting for that title as soon as 2014 is going to come down to Saturday night’s performance. Either fighter needs to win in fashion and separate themselves from the rest of the pack.

With Carlos Condit and Matt Brown set to lock horns at UFC on FOX 9 in December, as well as Jake Ellenberger needing to get back into the win column, the division is in search of the next top contender.

Since making his UFC return back in February, Lawler has looked the part, smashing both Josh Koscheck and Bobby Voelker early and efficiently. But in today’s MMA, when win streaks and flash finishes rule all, “Ruthless” needs one more notch on his belt to make a push for tonight’s main event victor.

As for MacDonald, who many consider the very best prospect in the sport, and one who resembles a young GSP, he needs to redeem himself after a rather lackluster performance opposite Ellenberger back in July.

The 24-year-old is obviously an unbelievable talent who possesses the athleticism and sheer skill to one day conquer an aging division, but he needs to put an exclamation mark on an already impressive UFC career.

Now, while MacDonald and fellow Canadian St-Pierre train together in Montreal, Quebec, under the Tristar banner, that shouldn’t stop either guy from signing the dotted line.

It would be much easier if Hendricks defeated MacDonald’s predecessor, but it shouldn’t matter. Training partners have fought before, and they’ll fight again and do what professionals in their business need to do. It’s that simple, especially when Dana White is running the show.

So before the title is put up for grabs and Hendricks tries to knock out a seemingly untouchable figure, MacDonald and Lawler will duke it off for what seems to be No. 1 contender rights.

A dynamic finish for either guy could launch him into a title shot in 2014. But a back-and-forth stalemate could mean the winner of Condit vs. Brown gets the nod.

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Chael Sonnen: The American Gangster Has Nothing to Lose at UFC 167

Chael Sonnen has become one of the biggest draws in mixed martial arts today.
Whether you accept his media-driven persona or despise his bravado, there’s no denying “The American Gangster” is transcending the sport.
When Sonnen steps inside the Octagon…

Chael Sonnen has become one of the biggest draws in mixed martial arts today.

Whether you accept his media-driven persona or despise his bravado, there’s no denying “The American Gangster” is transcending the sport.

When Sonnen steps inside the Octagon later this evening to take on fellow UFC Tonight co-host and former divisional standout Rashad Evans, he’ll have yet another opportunity to prove that conditioning, world-class wrestling and in-your-face pressure only seen on the mean streets of Oregon are all you need to win.

But when you look at what 2014 holds for the 36-year-old, who always seems to have his next few moves planned out, it’s hard to think a loss against “Suga” would hurt his value.

People tend to forget that Sonnen‘s only defeats since 2009 have come against Anderson Silva and Jon Jones, two of the best pound-for-pound champions of all time. It’s crazy to say, considering his inability to capture a title, but Sonnen is one of the most consistent fighters around.

So even though it wouldn’t surprise many if he can out-hustle and out-point an athletically superior opponent like Evans, Sonnen doesn’t need to win to stay on top.

With a rivalry opposite the legendary Wanderlei Silva boiling over into next year, as well as an upcoming stint as a head coach on The Ultimate Fighter Season 3 in Brazil, the former middleweight top contender is already dressed for future success.

Now whether or not Sonnen has what it takes to defeat a one-punch knockout specialist hellbent on putting him six-feet-under, he has once again secured more time under the UFC spotlight. Not to mention his pre-fight antics and microphone mechanics will now be featured on an international scale.

As a professional athlete who prides himself in giving it all he has, Sonnen obviously wants to defeat Evans at UFC 167 and move up the divisional ladder. But as an aging veteran who knows his time is limited, Sonnen is going to make a living off of fighting big UFC draws and making as fists of cash for everyone involved.

That’s why a win or loss to Evans isn’t going to deter him from booking huge super fights, grudge matches and standout showdowns in the future. He has done enough for the promotion to earn that privilege.

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UFC 167 Predictions: Who Will Get Knockout of the Night?

The Octagon offers some of the most exciting action in sports. It often showcases competition unseen on any other platform in the world.
But through all the selective skill sets and beautifully crafted arts that have been mastered over the years,…

The Octagon offers some of the most exciting action in sports. It often showcases competition unseen on any other platform in the world.

But through all the selective skill sets and beautifully crafted arts that have been mastered over the years, the knockout is still the most exciting finish.

There’s really no way to explain it. It just feels natural. Like something is triggered inside our brains, witnessing a perfectly timed knockout leaves ours eyes and ears in awe.

So when a knockout is delivered, it often steals the show. Tonight’s stacked UFC 167 card will be no different.

With a slew of power-charged, aggressive fighters on the bill, fists are destined to connect with chins. Here are three fighters who can win Knockout of the Night honors.

Sergio Pettis

With Anthony Pettis‘ younger brother set to make his promotional debut later today on the Facebook prelims, UFC fans are finally going to get the dynamic bantamweight striker they’ve been looking for.

Athletically and skillfully nurtured under the wing of Duke Roufus and his brother, Pettis already possesses elite offense, even at the young age of 20.

He’s possesses excellent kicks, great takedown defense, unparalleled athleticism and the ability to stay out of danger. Combine that with precision, speed, power and the will to win, and Pettis is a Knockout of the Night waiting to happen.

Let’s just hope the always warranted Octagon jitters don’t get the best of him.

Erik Perez

As one of the more physically gifted and rapidly evolving prospects in the UFC, Perez has undying potential in an often stagnant bantamweight division.

But after dropping a close decision to Takeya Mizugaki back in August, “Goyito” needs to prove that potential is being fulfilled.

Tonight will be his chance to avenge his first promotional loss, showcase his powerful uppercuts and dynamic clinch game and put an end to a very desperate Edwin Figueroa.

Look for the young Mexican to pressure Figueroa from the opening bell in order to pad his already impressive resume.

Johny Hendricks

People don’t want to believe that Hendricks can do the unthinkable and knockout UFC legend Georges St-Pierre. They think of it as more of a myth than impeding reality.

But through all the discussion of how superior GSP is and how untouchable he is in a five-round fight, Hendricks still has the power. His natural ability to crumble chins isn’t going to fade tonight on the heels of negative talks.

For Hendricks, someone who has absolutely dominated the welterweight division since his arrival, St-Pierre isn’t this pound-for-pound king who hasn’t lost in nearly seven years.

Instead, “Bigg Rigg” is setting himself up to fight, well, a man. Because whether or not people want to believe seemingly perfectly crafted fighters are untouchable, like Anderson Silva, everybody has their day of defeat.

And when you stand opposite a powerhouse like Hendricks toward the tail end of your divisional career, that day may come sooner than you expected.

For more UFC news and predictions, Follow @DHiergesell.

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