clock menu more-arrow no yes

Filed under:

UFC 141 Morning After: Johny Hendricks Has Arrived

By Michael David Smith
/ new
Johny Hendricks

, welcome to the big time.

Jon FitchUFC 141MMAGeorges St. Pierre

.

Carlos ConditNick Diaz

for an interim title in February, and the winner of that fight expected to face St. Pierre next.

UFCThiago Alves

, or getting beaten up by a great, well-rounded opponent in St. Pierre, the one thing Fitch was never in danger of doing was getting KTFO'd.

And that's just what Hendricks did to him, with a vicious left hand to the jaw that knocked Fitch back so hard that the back of his head bounced off the canvas.

Hendricks said after the fight that he thought people didn't respect his left hand, and that may be true: Hendricks is still often described as a wrestler above all, thanks to his status as a two-time NCAA champion. But that punch he landed to Fitch's jaw informed everyone who didn't already know that Hendricks has serious power in his hands.

It might be a while before Hendricks gets a shot at the title, especially if the UFC decides to hold Condit or Diaz until GSP is healthy. But looking at what Hendricks brings to the table, with his wrestling background and his punching power, you'd have to say that he'd be a real threat to beat St. Pierre if he ever gets that opportunity. Johny Hendricks has arrived as one of the elite welterweights in MMA.

  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos

    Dong Hyun Kim def. Sean Pierson via unanimous decision at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos

    Sean Pierson takes a breather at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos

    Dong Hyun Kim punches Sean Pierson at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos

    Dong Hyun Kim throws a front kick at Sean Pierson at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos

    Efrain Escudero attempts a choke on Jacob Volkmann at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos

    Efrain Escudero throws a punch at Jacob Volkmann at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos

    Jacob Volkmann throws a punch en route to a decision win over Efrain Escudero at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos

    Diego Nunes throws a kick at Manvel Gamburyan en route to a unanimous decision  win at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos

    Diego Nunes kicks Manvel Gamburyan at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos

    Diego Nunes punches over Manvel Gamburyan at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos Danny Castillo def. Anthony Njokuani via split decision at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos Anthony Njokuani throws a kick at Danny Castillo at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos Anthony Njokuani throws a knee at Danny Castillo at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos Danny Castillo takes down Anthony Njokuani at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos Danny Castillo takes down Anthony Njokuani at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos

    Ross Pearson def. Junior Assuncao at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos

    Ross Pearson def. Junior Assuncao at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos

    UFC Octagon girl Brittney Palmer carries the round three card at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos

    Junior Assuncao tries to get on top of Ross Pearson at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos

    Ross Pearson charges Junior Assuncao at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos

    Ross Pearson clinches and knees Junior Assuncao at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos Ross Pearson throws a knee at Junior Assuncao at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos Jimy Hettes punches Nam Phan at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos

    Jimy Hettes takes down Nam Phan at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos Jimy Hettes ground and pounds Nam Phan at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos

    Jimy Hettes ground and pounds Nam Phan at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos Johny Hendricks def. Jon Fitch via 12-second KO at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos Jon Fitch stunned at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos Johny Hendricks celebrates his win over Jon Fitch at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos

    Johny Hendricks def. Jon Fitch at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting

  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos Johny Hendricks knocks out Jon Fitch at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos

    Alexander Gustafsson celebrates his win over Vladimir Matyushenko at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos

    Alexander Gustafsson knocks out Vladimir Matyushenko at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos

    Alexander Gustafsson knocks out Vladimir Matyushenko at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos

    Alexander Gustafsson knocks out Vladimir Matyushenko at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos Donald Cerrone lands a punch on Nate Diaz at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos

    Nate Diaz punches Donald Cerrone at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos

    Donald Cerrone keeps distance from Nate Diaz at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos

    Nate Diaz punches Donald Cerrone at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos

    Alistair Overeem throws a right hand at Brock Lesnar at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos

    Alistair Overeem knees the body of Brock Lesnar at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos

    Alistair Overeem hurts Brock Lesnar at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos

    Alistair Overeem finishes Brock Lesnar at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos

    Alistair Overeem watches his fallen opponent Brock Lesnar at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos

    Alistair Overeem celebrates his win over Brock Lesnar at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos

    Alistair Overeem def. Brock Lesnar via TKO at 2:26 of round one at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos

    Brock Lesnar announces his retirement after his loss to Alistair Overeem at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos

    Brock Lesnar kisses his wife after leaving the cage at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos

    Nate Diaz celebrates his win with his teammates at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos Donald Cerrone loses the unanimous decision to Nate Diaz at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos Nate Diaz walks to his corner at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos Nate Diaz and Donald Cerrone show each other respect at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos Donald Cerrone kicks Nate Diaz at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos Nate Diaz kicks Donald Cerrone at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos Donald Cerrone pushes forward against Nate Diaz at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos Nate Diaz raises his arms at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos Nate Diaz punches the body of Donald Cerrone at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos Nate Diaz punches Donald Cerrone at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos

    Nate Diaz connects cleanly on Donald Cerrone at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos

    Donald Cerrone lands a kick to Nate Diaz's face at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos

    Nate Diaz punches Donald Cerrone at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

    Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos Nate Diaz attacks Donald Cerrone at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
  • UFC 141 Fight Night Photos Donald Cerrone sits in his corner at UFC 141 on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting



UFC 141 Notes

Brock Lesnar

's emergence as the UFC's biggest star has been fun, but I'm not surprised that he announced his retirement after losing to Alistair Overeem. Lesnar is a millionaire many times over and doesn't need to fight for the money. He tried MMA, had a lot of success, and has now lost twice in a row and needs to focus on his health. The UFC lost its biggest pay-per-view star, but the sport will be fine without Brock, just as Brock will be fine without MMA.

--It was great to see Dong Hyun Kim's use of the same front kick that Anderson Silva used to knock out Vitor Belfort and Lyoto Machida used to knock out Randy Couture. Kim's kick didn't have quite enough power on it to knock out Sean Pierson, but it showed that Kim is working on diversifying his striking.

--Anthony Njokuani hasn't evolved as a fighter at all: He's still an exciting striker but a very rudimentary grappler. Until his takedown defense improves significantly, Njokuani is going to lose a decision to any good wrestler he faces, as he did to Danny Castillo.

UFC 141 Quotes
"I want to thank Donald Cerrone for the fight. Sorry about all the s--t that went down." -- Nate Diaz, leaving all the bad blood behind him after whipping Cerrone.

"Jacob Volkmann, an outstanding grappler. Not the best joke teller." -- Joe Rogan, after Volkmann made an unfunny joke about wanting to give President Obama a glassectomy. The UFC should tell Volkmann to leave the jokes to Rogan.

"He's a good fighter, I look up to him, but I got the knockout. It was a good punch. It was my day to day. It was my dream to fight in Las Vegas and it was the biggest win of my life." -- Alexander Gustafsson after knockout out Vladimir Matyushenko, showing proper respect for an opponent 17 years his senior.

Good Call
We're so used to bad judging in MMA these days that it sometimes comes as a surprise when all three judges get it right, but let's credit the judges in the three Facebook preliminary fights, because all nine scorecards on those fights were right on the money: 29-28 for Diego Nunes over Manny Gamburyan, 29-28 for Jacob Volkmann over Efrain Escudero and 30-27 for Dong Hyun Kim over Sean Pierson.

Bad Call
Herb Dean is usually one of the best referees in the business, but he made an absolutely horrible call by standing up Jacob Volkmann and Efrain Escudero in the middle of the third round of their fight. Volkmann had Escudero's back on the ground and was working for a finish, and Dean inexplicably stopped them and stood them up.

Stock Up
Volkmann is now 5-0 since moving down to lightweight. He doesn't have the most crowd-pleasing of styles, and he hasn't fought the highest quality of competition, but you can't argue with five straight wins. It's time for Volkmann to get someone in the Top 10, so we can get a feel for just how good he is.

Stock Down
Gamburyan has now lost three straight fights, and he was never really able to implement his game plan against Nunes, who succeeded in keeping Gamburyan at distance and stopping Gamburyan's takedowns. Gamburyan probably won't lose his job in the UFC because the promotion needs as many recognizable fighters as it can get in the shallow featherweight division, but he's fallen a long way since he was the division's No. 1 contender.

Fight I Want to See Next
Junior dos Santos vs. Alistair Overeem. A great battle of two great heavyweight strikers. I can hardly wait.

Get the latest gear

More From MMA Fighting