Imagine a UFC legend, once at the pinnacle of the sport, being brutally knocked into the cage in a moment that marked the beginning of one of the most dramatic falls from grace in MMA history. This is the story of Johny Hendricks, a former welterweight champion whose career took a seismic turn on this day in 2016. But here's where it gets controversial—was this decline inevitable, or could it have been prevented? Let’s dive in.
On that fateful night in Las Vegas, Stephen 'Wonderboy' Thompson, a kickboxing-turned-MMA phenom, faced Hendricks in what would become a defining moment for both fighters. Thompson, already planning his retirement as the oldest active fighter on the UFC roster, was on a mission to prove his worth against the #2-ranked contender. Hendricks, fresh off a title reign and a controversial split-decision loss to Georges St-Pierre, was expected to dominate. But this is the part most people miss—once Hendricks failed to execute his signature takedowns, Thompson’s striking prowess took center stage, culminating in a spinning kick that slammed Hendricks into the cage. The fight ended just moments later, with 90 seconds left in the first round, marking a major changing of the guard in the welterweight division.
Thompson’s victory wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. Despite his own frustrations with recent defeats, his final run in the UFC has been far more graceful than those of many other legends. But what about Hendricks? After this loss, his career spiraled. From holding the 170-pound gold in 2014 to going 1-4 in his final UFC fights, including three weight misses, Hendricks’ decline was as swift as it was shocking. His last fight, a brutal loss to Paulo Costa, remains one of the most lopsided matchups of the past decade. Fortunately, Hendricks has found a new purpose as a police officer in Texas, but the question remains: Which UFC legend had the worst final run in the promotion?
And this is where it gets even more intriguing. Many fans still debate whether Hendricks truly beat Georges St-Pierre at UFC 167, despite the split-decision loss. Could this have been the turning point that set him on a different path? Or was his downfall simply a result of age and the evolving landscape of MMA? Weigh in below—do you think Hendricks’ fall from grace was the worst in UFC history, or is there another fighter who deserves that title? Let’s spark a debate!
