Johny Hendricks was one of the most successful fighters in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, having won the welterweight championship at the height of his career. But after losing the belt, the 'Bigg Rigg' has suffered from a string of losses and he might be on his way to retirement.
The 33-year-old mixed martial artist who expressed his desire to retire after losing to Neil Magny at UFC 207 on Dec. 30, 2016, gave his UFC career another shot as he faces Hector Lombard at UFC Fight Night 105 on Feb. 19 in Canada. However, if his losing streak continues, Hendricks knows it is time to walk away from the sport, MMA Junkie reported.
Hendricks has lost all of his last three fights in 2016 at the welterweight division and has moved up to middleweight to test waters. Though he said he would retire after his latest loss, he believes he beat Magny and that is the reason why he will fight once again.
The former champ had problem making weight twice as he tallied 173.5 and 171.25 lbs, respectively, in his last two fights, missing the welterweight limit of 170 lbs. Those back-to-back missed weights signalled a change in weight division.
Lombard and Hendricks were supposed to face each other at UFC 208 in Brooklyn but clearance issues with the New York State Athletic Commission forced the anticipated bout to be move at Fight Night 105, MMA Fighting reported.
Hendricks, who has a 17-6 MMA record, last won on March 14, 2015 and looks to end his three-fight losing streak while Lombard has lost two consecutive fights against Dan Henderson at UFC 199 on June 4, 2016 and Magny at UFC Fight Night 85 on March 20, 2016. Their bout is expected to be a war on foot as both fighters are known for their knockout power.
Watch the video below for the 'Bigg Rigg's highlights: