Former UFC Welterweight champ Georges St-Pierre walked away from his title following a controversial split-decision win over Johny Hendricks at UFC 167. With Hendricks about to face Robbie Lawler for the vacant title, GSP spoke to the Dallas Morning News about his former foe and why he expects Hendricks to walk away with the title:
What’s your prediction for the Hendricks-Lawler fight? “I believe Johny Hendricks has an edge in the fight, especially in the grappling department, because of his experience in wrestling. He has a very good team. … I believe Johny will come more well prepared, maybe I’m wrong, that’s just my opinion.”
Most unique thing about Hendricks: “What struck me the most, his team is very good at analyzing. When I fought with him, he did things that nobody has done before. Things nobody has ever thought of. He gave me obstacles for the fight.”
An example of how Hendricks prepared well against him: “When a fight starts I’m very good at reactive takedowns, so I wait for him and his big left had. When he punched me with the big left, I ducked under and I put him down. When he came back from the corner, they were prepared for that. (His) coach said, ‘no more big left hands, go for the punch to the body so he can’t duck under.’ That is the adjustment they did. And they didn’t do that the night of the fight — that is what people don’t understand — they prepare for that. They knew it could happen and they adjusted during the fight. That gave me Hell. I was not prepared for someone that changes. Most guys I fight, they don’t change … they fight always the same way. They might try a few things left and right but they don’t transform them. I believe one of the big turning points for Johny, he did well adjusting things.”
There you have it. I wonder if Johny Hendricks will think this makes up for GSP walking away from the title and refusing him a rematch.
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