Yes, Daniel Cormier spent much of his MMA career competing with the “big boys” in the heavyweight division. But none of those fighters might be as dangerous as this version of Anthony Johnson. Twice last year, “Rumble” completely and utterly manhandled his opponents in Glover Teixeira – a former UFC title challenger – and Ryan […]
Yes, Daniel Cormier spent much of his MMA career competing with the “big boys” in the heavyweight division. But none of those fighters might be as dangerous as this version of Anthony Johnson. Twice last year, “Rumble” completely and utterly manhandled his opponents in Glover Teixeira – a former UFC title challenger – and Ryan […]
This coming Saturday night, former Bellator champion Will Brooks has a chance to really make an impact on the lightweight division. Brooks will kickoff the pay-per-view main card for UFC 210 from Buffalo against Charles Oliveira. The 30-year-old from Chicago has fought twice before inside the Octagon, besting Ross Pearson and losing to Alex Oliveira. […]
This coming Saturday night, former Bellator champion Will Brooks has a chance to really make an impact on the lightweight division. Brooks will kickoff the pay-per-view main card for UFC 210 from Buffalo against Charles Oliveira. The 30-year-old from Chicago has fought twice before inside the Octagon, besting Ross Pearson and losing to Alex Oliveira. […]
UFC’s official statement released on Monday confirms the magnitude which the McGregor-headlined UFC 205 had on revenue in 2016, but 2017 looks destined to pale in comparison. The promotion’s first event in New York since the overturning of a ban on MMA generated $37.4 million, according to Applied Analysis’ study which was released on Monday. A […]
UFC’s official statement released on Monday confirms the magnitude which the McGregor-headlined UFC 205 had on revenue in 2016, but 2017 looks destined to pale in comparison. The promotion’s first event in New York since the overturning of a ban on MMA generated $37.4 million, according to Applied Analysis’ study which was released on Monday. A […]
Two years ago, “Bigg Rigg” was sitting atop the welterweight world with the title around his waist and a 16-2 record to his credit.
He had just bes…
My how Johny Hendricks has fallen.
Two years ago, “Bigg Rigg” was sitting atop the welterweight world with the title around his waist and a 16-2 record to his credit.
He had just bested Robbie Lawler after a tough split decision loss to then-champion Georges St-Pierre. When GSP vacated the title, Hendricks gladly accepted the role of “Welterweight King” in his stay.
However, it was short-lived, as Lawler claimed the belt later that year and Hendricks has been in a tail-spin ever since.
Entering Friday night and UFC 207 against Neil Magny, Hendricks (17-5) has lost two straight and three of four overall. His lone win was a decision vs. veteran Matt Brown, as he was stopped by Stephen Thompson and bested by Kelvin Gastelum.
Weigh-in issues have also hindered Hendricks, but is there more to it all?
Only those close to the former Oklahoma State University wrestling standout know the answer to that question. From an outside perspective, it appears the years of hard practices on the wrestling mats are catching up to Hendricks.
In MMA, 33 years old would not typically be considered “old.” But for someone who has spent the better part of his life wrestling, it is.
Hendricks looks far from the same fighter who pushed St-Pierre for 25 minutes, defeated Carlos Condit, obliterated Martin Kampmann and knocked out Jon Fitch.
With a 1-3 record over his last four, Hendricks cannot afford to fall to Magny if he ever wants to be in the discussion for best at 170 pounds again.
One of the first MMA fights I watched when getting into the sport was Urijah Faber vs. Jose Aldo.
The incredible punishment that “The California Kid” took in that contest left me almost s…
One of the first MMA fights I watched when getting into the sport was Urijah Faber vs. Jose Aldo.
The incredible punishment that “The California Kid” took in that contest left me almost sick to my stomach.
We all remember the leg welts that Aldo placed on Faber, who never quit and never backed down despite all the punishment he took.
At the time, in my eyes, Faber was the face of those “lighter” divisions. He had a cool “gimmick,” was out-spoken and well-regarded.
Now, this Saturday night, he says UFC on FOX 22 will be his final fight as he takes on Brad Pickett from Sacramento.
While many will rip Faber down for never winning UFC gold, his resume is that of a legend.
– Nine wins in the UFC’s bantamweight division, a record.
– Six finishes in the UFC’s bantamweight division, a record.
– Six submissions in the UFC’s bantamweight division, a record.
– He also successfully defended the WEC featherweight title five times, winning eight bonuses in the promotion.
Faber is on the Mount Rushmore when you are talking weights under 155 pounds without a shadow of a doubt.
He’s beat the likes of Eddie Wineland, Raphael Assuncao, Jens Pulver (twice), Jeff Curran, ONE world champion Bibiano Fernandes, Charles Bennett and even Dominick Cruz.
The Faber-Cruz rivalry has been an interesting one to say the least. The two were cast to coach on the first – and only – live season of The Ultimate Fighter.
So on Saturday night, even if he decides to come out of retirement and fight again down the road, make sure you check in and watch Faber just in case this is his last time stepping inside the Octagon.
