Johny Hendricks attempts to take down Neil Magny at their bout in UFC 207 held on Dec. 30, 2016. (Photo : Getty Images/Christian Petersen)
Johny "Big Rig" Hendricks, 33, was set for big things in the UFC when he faced then champion Georges St-Pierre for the belt back in Nov. 16, 2013 at UFC 167. However, St-Pierre dealt Hendricks only his second ever loss after the latter succumbed to a controversial split decision. Determined as ever, Hendricks eventually became the UFC welterweight champion after he won the vacant title relinquished by St-Pierre after their matchup.
However, glory was short lived for "Big Rig," as he was unable to mount a successful title defense against the man he deafeated for the title in the first place, Robbie Lawler. Hendricks looked set for another comeback when he defeated Matt Brown via unanimous decision in UFC 185, only to be knocked out in the first round in his next contest at UFC Fight Night: Hendricks vs. Thompson.
It could be argued that these losses, largely in part to controversial judging and scoring, have gotten to Hendricks. He recently has had trouble with his weight, as evidenced by missing out on a fight against Tyron Woodley after being hospitalized during his weight cutting process, MMA Fighting reported. After this incident, he has had two fights wherein he missed the welterweight limit.
Hendricks faced Neil Magny in UFC 207, being 2.5 pounds overweight, as UFC welterweights should weigh in at 169 to 171 pounds only. As a direct result of this, Magny will receive 20 percent of Hendricks' purse.
While takedowns score big points in the UFC, it was not enough for Hendricks to get the win. Magny utilized clean strikes in order to neutralize Hendricks for the majority of the time the pair was on their feet. Magny's crisp boxing allowed him to score big points, but not many fight fans agreed with the overall decision.
This loss marks the fourth time "Big Rig" has lost in his last five fights. In fact, he has lost three consecutive fights for the first time in his professional mixed martial arts career. Hendricks looks to take his career in another direction, as he claims that he is done fighting in the welterweight division after failing to make weight thrice, Fox Sports reported.
Watch Hendricks' weigh-in for UFC 207 below:
