UFC welterweight Johny Hendricks went into his fight versus Jon Fitch as a massive underdog but emerged as a top contender when he knocked out the former No. 2 ranked welterweight in the world 12 seconds into Round 1 at UFC 141.
Now, Hendricks prepares to take on another former title challenger when he battles Josh Koscheck at UFC on FOX 3.
During the pre-fight press conference, Koscheck claimed Hendricks’ knockout of his former training partner came from a “lucky punch,” but luck is one thing Hendricks doesn’t mind having on his side.
“It’s not like I was looking for the knockout only,” Hendricks told JoeShowRadio. “I would have loved to showcase a little of my skills, but the fight didn’t happen that way. So, I take out of it that I have one KO power and nothing else mattered at that point.”
“Since I know my hands are there, now I get to focus a little bit harder on my jiu-jitsu and everything else,” Hendricks continued. “I’d rather have luck on my side than anything else. If it was a lucky punch, I guess we’ll find out. I know how hard I hit and so do my fans and so do everyone else in the UFC”
“That’s not luck,” Hendricks said. “That’s something the good lord blessed me with. My striking is at a point where I don’t have to hit you on the button to knock you out.”
Hendricks has compiled an overall record of 12-1 with victories over Fitch, Mike Pierce, TJ Waldburger and Charlie Brenneman. His only career loss came against Rick Story.
Koscheck comes in at 17-5 with two back-to-back wins over Mike Pierce and Matt Hughes. Many thought he had lost the Pierce fight, but the split-decision went his way.
UFC on FOX 3 will go down May 5 at the IZOD Center in New Jersey. The main event will feature lightweights Jim Miller and Nate Diaz.
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