Johny Hendricks may have the best one-punch knockout power in all of MMA.
At UFC 154, he continued his march towards a welterweight title shot with a spectacular 46-second knockout of Martin Kampmann.
Currently, Hendricks may be the welterweight division’s best kept secret. He has quietly put together a résumé fitting of a top contender. Along with his win over Kampmann, he is coming off major wins over Jon Fitch, Josh Koscheck and Mike Pierce.
Still, fans have heard this all before.
What makes Hendricks different from everyone else who has stood before and challenged Georges St-Pierre for the UFC title? How can he succeed where others have failed in ousting one of the greatest fighters in MMA history?
As shown in his bouts against Carlos Condit and Matt Serra, St-Pierre might boast the best skill set in the welterweight division, but his chin still remains a question mark.
He is far from Jonathan Goulet’s fragility, but St-Pierre’s game relies more on finesse and timing, not brawling. A strong puncher with world class wrestling makes for an interesting challenge for the French Canadian.
At Oklahoma State University, Hendricks was a two-time NCAA Division I wrestling champion. People tend to forget his wrestling background thanks to his ever-improving striking.
Technically, St-Pierre is the better fighter, but Hendricks has the ability to make the fight ugly.
Serra found success against the UFC champ by forcing him into wild exchanges. Condit dropped St-Pierre in Round 3 of their title bout when he stopped lingering on the outside and pressed forward with combinations.
Hendricks has the ability to fend off some takedowns and make St-Pierre engage on the feet. On paper, he is undoubtedly the biggest threat to St-Pierre’s championship reign.
One punch is all that is needed for the welterweight division to change forever.
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com