Last year ended with a bang when UFC welterweight contender Johny Hendricks (12-1) knocked out his upcoming opponent’s former teammate in just 12 seconds at UFC 141.
Going into his fight with former title challenger Jon Fitch, many thought Hendricks was taking too big of a step up in competition from his previous opponents, which included fighters like Mike Pierce, T.J. Waldburger, Rick Story and Charlie Brenneman.
With a knockout set on his mind, the former NCAA Division I wrestler unloaded a left hand that put his opponent down and out in the opening seconds of the fight. Some follow-up punches were landed, but not needed.
It was the first Fitch fight to end before the final bell in his last nine fights, and was only his second loss in the UFC with the other having come against UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre.
Now, Hendricks will take on another former title challenger in Josh Koscheck (17-5), who is also known for his one-punch knockout power and wrestling ability. His wins include those over Pierce, Matt Hughes, Paul Daley, Anthony Johnson and Chris Lytle.
Even if a title shot with GSP isn’t on the line, a top contender’s match is.
UFC on FOX 3 goes down this Saturday and features a four-bout main card with Nate Diaz vs. Jim Miller, Koscheck vs. Hendricks, Rousimar Palhares vs. Alan Belcher and Pat Barry vs. Lavar Johnson.
Other bouts on Fuel TV include Tony Ferguson vs. Michael Johnson, John Dodson vs. Tim Elliot and John Hathaway vs. Pascal Krauss.
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com