About Johny Hendricks
Many believed that Johny Hendricks would simply try to wear down a fighter who has made a life off of similar techniques before his battle with Jon Fitch at UFC 141. Hendricks, a two-time collegiate wrestling national champion, appeared to have the skills to perhaps resist Fitch’s standard strategy of clinch, takedown, and ground and pound. But if we weren’t sure about Hendricks’ left hand before the fight, we most definitely were at the conclusion.
Yes, Hendricks’ powerful left hand that knocked Fitch out after just 12 seconds in round one prevented a grappling match. Just like that, a man who had never been knocked out in his MMA career was put to sleep.
- Date of Birth: Johny Hendricks was born on September 12, 1983 in Ada, Oklahoma.
- Training Camp and Fighting Organization: Hendricks trains with Team Takedown. He fights for the UFC.
Wrestling Career
Hendricks competed in wrestling at Edmond Memorial High School, where he won three state championships in Oklahoma as well as the 160-pound high school national title. Yes, he was a high school national champion, which was a sign of things to come.
Hendricks, you see, won the 165-pound national wrestling titles in 2005 and 2006 while representing Oklahoma State University. Throughout his undergraduate career, he received four All-American honors and finished second nationally in 2007.
Beginnings of MMA
Hendricks defeated Victor Rackliff in his first professional mixed martial arts match on September 28, 2007, at MOTC XVI: Masters of the Cage 16. He really went on to win his next five fights before the UFC approached him.
Beginnings of UFC
Hendricks defeated opponents like as Amir Sadollah (by TKO), Ricardo Funch (by decision), TJ Grant (by decision), and Charlie Brenneman in his first four UFC fights (TKO). Later, at The Ultimate Fighter 12 Finale, he went on to lose by decision to Rick Story in his first-ever MMA battle.
Combative Style
Hendricks excels in the ring. He therefore excels in takedowns, takedown defense, ground and pound, and ground control. He also works to wear down opponents and is excellent inside in the clinch. But even before a fight starts, he can be incredibly dangerous with his powerful left hand. In the early stages of a fight, he simply hits like a truck and is as thrilling as they come.
Hendricks has a strong defense against submissions but is not a big fan of them.
