Johny Hendricks: I am the true number-one contender
Posted on June 7, 2012, 12:44 PM by Mike DrahotaEarlier this week UFC Interim champion Carlos Condit came out and said that if Georges St. Pierre is not ready to fight in November, he would fight surging contender Martin Kampmann instead. The news apparently does not sit well with fellow Welterweight Johny Hendricks, who feels he is the rightful number-one contender to Condit's belt. Coming off a decision win over Josh Koscheck and a one-punch knockout of Jon Fitch, Hendricks had the following to say:
"Carlos Condit, he said he wanted to fight Kampmann. He called out Kampmann, and he's done a couple of interviews where he hasn't even mentioned my name as a top contender. I'm the No. 1 contender, and if he's going to be fighting anyone, I think it should be me." - via MMAJunkie.com
Hendricks's words show that he is feeling overlooked by the interim champion, and lost in the mix that is present at the top of the 170 lb. division. After all, Dana White has been on record saying Hendricks did gain a title shot with the victory over Koscheck. Also, it can be argued that defeating Koscheck and Fitch consecutively should have more pull than Kampmann's two come-from-behind victories over Thiago Alves and Jake Ellenberger. Hendricks continued:
"We have an interim belt, and interim belts are for one reason: for people to be able to still fight for a title. I feel like I've done everything I could to get that No. 1 spot, and somebody else is keeping it from me. I don't get upset about many things, but I feel like I've done what I could to put me where I'm at today.”
Hendricks stands firm on his belief that Condit should face him for the Interim belt before he faces GSP, taking the stance that Interim championships are made to be defended. He has looked impressive as of late and does deserve his shot, the question is, when and against who? Hendricks expressed his displeasure at what he feels is a slight from Condit:
"I think you have to earn respect, and I think I did. For someone to sit there and bypass me like that, it's like he's saying that I'm not even good enough to be in his realm, and I think I am. I think I have what it takes to get in there and to win. I want that chance."
Is Hendricks taking the news all too personally, or does he make a good case here? In arguably the most stacked division in the UFC, who is the rightful number-one contender at Welterweight?
Further Reading: Carlos Condit: I will fight Martin Kampmann is GSP is not ready
Photo: MMAWeekly.com
Earlier this week UFC Interim champion Carlos Condit came out and said that if Georges St. Pierre is not ready to fight in November, he would fight surging contender Martin Kampmann instead. The news apparently does not sit well with fellow Welterweight Johny Hendricks, who feels he is the rightful number-one contender to Condit's belt. Coming off a decision win over Josh Koscheck and a one-punch knockout of Jon Fitch, Hendricks had the following to say:
"Carlos Condit, he said he wanted to fight Kampmann. He called out Kampmann, and he's done a couple of interviews where he hasn't even mentioned my name as a top contender. I'm the No. 1 contender, and if he's going to be fighting anyone, I think it should be me." - via MMAJunkie.com
Hendricks's words show that he is feeling overlooked by the interim champion, and lost in the mix that is present at the top of the 170 lb. division. After all, Dana White has been on record saying Hendricks did gain a title shot with the victory over Koscheck. Also, it can be argued that defeating Koscheck and Fitch consecutively should have more pull than Kampmann's two come-from-behind victories over Thiago Alves and Jake Ellenberger. Hendricks continued:
"We have an interim belt, and interim belts are for one reason: for people to be able to still fight for a title. I feel like I've done everything I could to get that No. 1 spot, and somebody else is keeping it from me. I don't get upset about many things, but I feel like I've done what I could to put me where I'm at today.”
Hendricks stands firm on his belief that Condit should face him for the Interim belt before he faces GSP, taking the stance that Interim championships are made to be defended. He has looked impressive as of late and does deserve his shot, the question is, when and against who? Hendricks expressed his displeasure at what he feels is a slight from Condit:
"I think you have to earn respect, and I think I did. For someone to sit there and bypass me like that, it's like he's saying that I'm not even good enough to be in his realm, and I think I am. I think I have what it takes to get in there and to win. I want that chance."
Is Hendricks taking the news all too personally, or does he make a good case here? In arguably the most stacked division in the UFC, who is the rightful number-one contender at Welterweight?
Comments
He did beat Fitch, and Kos, he has a good case
I think Kampmann edges out Hendricks though. He beat Elllenberger which is the same prototype as Hendricks. But I think ellenberger is all around stronger.
I would like to see Kampmann vs Hendricks first, then winner of that vs Condit if GSP is out until after November
Hendricks is the #2 WW in the world behind GSP.
I thought Kos (who I rather dislike) won. Either way, I lean toward Kampman BUT Hendrix has a case.
beat kos (barely).. so hell yea you are!
he wants the revenge fight not #1 contender and Hendricks would be #1 contender the guy has made an amazing run Kos was even saying beating Hendricks should give him a title shot.. think that is a scary fight for Carlos, but the way GSP is going as long as he doesnt push it to hard at the end of recovery and most ppl do cause its right there but he looks like he will make it and be able to fight making Hendricks/ Kampman on same card to see who gets next title fight
Your right Kampmann beat Ellenberger who is very similar but Hendricks has more credentials for the spot. Knocking out Fitch put him instantly top 5 for me and beating Kos, no matter the way, got him the #1 spot for me.
to Johnny Hendricks:
"It doesnt matter what you think, just know your role jabroni and shut your mouth!!" Your last 4 fights, you had two kos and 2 controversial decision wins, one of 'em being your last one to Josh Kos. I thought you lost to Mike Pierce too. While being the first guy to ko fitch is impressive, your fight against koschek was not impressive enough to seal the deal for a title shot, after seeing what gsp did to kos and you getting a controversial decision? So, ur will come soon just continue climbing and no one will be able look pass you....
anyone else read this with a chinese accent?
** ur *time* will come soon...
Condit doesn't want to fight a high level wrestler as that has been his krytponite as it is with so many high level strkers, that said however hendricks would be the perfect opponent to test his anti-gsp strategy on to see if it works.
Maybe that's why Condit doesn't want to fight a wrestler, to keep his plan under wraps?
Ya I'll be curious to see how Hendricks fairs against a high level striker.
Cheese with that whine Johnny?
While Hendricks win over Fitch falls into the dominant category, not so much vs. Kos.
Kaupmann might have got beat up on his way to taking out Ellenberger and Alves, but a win is a win and you could argue that having an iron chin and come from behind victories balance that out.
But I would say Alves and Ellenberger are stil in the mix at 170. Kos and Fitch? Heading for gatekeeperville. So nice try Johnny but no.
Of course, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. So even if it doesn't make a difference to the next fight title bout, making noise about this could help Hendricks in the long run.
I would say he did well to get the KO on Fitch but I think it's a 9 times out of 10 scenario that Fitch wins and I aslo believe Fitch is still top of the heap and may still be the number 2 guy.
Dominant category over Fitch? How about flash knock out category. Kos and Fitch are gatekeepers?? WTF Dude. Fitch hadn't lost for how many fights before the Hendricks fight other and the Penn draw. Alves has found several ways to lose to guys and Fitch has beat him twice now.
Condit has a chance to avenge a loss, makes sense. Johnny if you want Condit to say your name send him some flowers and candy. Until then, win a few more fights if that's what the Boss says.
Hendricks would get smashed into tiny pieces by GSP....#1 contender.....PLEASE!!!!Lol.....
George St. Paul...yeah, I think I remember that guy. He still a fighter?
Hendricks vs condit that would be a good fight
Needs to grow some shoulder hair to complete his Arlovski look.
Let's see Condit defend against Kampman, and Hendricks get the first shot at GSP when he comes back. Then the winners fight the winners. Good way to buiild momentum in a division that has been lacking in star power with GSP away for a while.
That sounds fair, but if GSP is available there is no way Condit does not fight him. Fighting GSP = big pay day.
I hate to see things stalled..
Just bring Kampmann, Hendricks, MacDonald or someone vs Condit
Kampman have unofficial 4 win streak, 2 of them where people think he was robed and 2 he won in very good fashion. Hendricks shocked a world with a win over by Fitch, and a win over Koscheck was very controversial... So right now Kampman is more deserved for a Condit than Hendricks.
Them fighting makes sense(kampmabn and Hendricks) . I think they should. Cause johny is still improving. And needs a fight in the meantime, to keep steady. And kampmann is a perfect test. And for all the people who say , the Fitch ko proves nothing. Look at gsp vs Fitch.