Despite Weight Issues, Johny Hendricks Hopes To Stay At Welterweight
No. 1-ranked former champion Johny “Bigg Rigg” Hendricks was scheduled to take on fellow top contender Tyron “The Chosen One” Woodley in the co-main event of last Saturday’s (October 3, 2015) UFC 192 from the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
However, the bout was scrapped when Hendricks’ body reportedly shut down last Thursday night prior to weigh-ins after going through a grueling cut in which he was reportedly 20-25 pounds over the welterweight limit during fight week.
“Bigg Rigg” has had weight-cutting issues in the past, and it seemed as if UFC president Dana White had seen enough. Not only did White award the next title shot to Woodley, but he also stated that he now sees Hendricks as a middleweight.
However, according to UFC Tonight’s Ariel Helwani, “Bigg Rigg” isn’t giving up on his 170-pound career just yet. Helwani reported on last night’s (October 7, 2015) edition of UFC Tonight, that after speaking with Hendricks, the former Oklahoma State wrestler is planning to trim down his body fat, and attempt a “mini-cut” in the next few weeks.
If the cut goes well, Hendricks intends to stay at welterweight, if issues once again occur, he will finally suck it up and make the move up to 185-pounds.
Not only have weight-cutting issues now forced him out of bouts, but it seemed as if tough weight cuts have sometimes hinder Hendricks’ performances when he was able to make it to the Octagon.
Regardless of his test cut, would middleweight prove to be more beneficial to the former welterweight champion?
