When the UFC approached Stephen Thompson (11-1) with an offer to fight Johny Hendricks (17-3), Thompson took the opportunity with open arms. The No. 9 ranked Welterweight knew that Hendricks would show up for their fight healthier than ever, and that cutting weight wouldn’t be a problem.
“I found out before we were even matched up that he had hired a guy with his weight cut. The guy who he hired knows what he’s doing.” Thompson told Bloody Elbow.
The “guy” that Thompson is referring to is nutritionist Louis Giordano. Thompson says that the UFC gave Hendricks an ultimatum, hire a nutritionist or move up to Middleweight.
“I wasn’t worried about it just because I know that if he didn’t hire a nutritionist that he would have to make weight at 185 lbs. He obviously wants to prove a point that he can make weight at 170, so I know for a fact that he’s going to make weight.”
Thompson’s confidence in Hendricks can be backed up by recent photos of the former UFC Welterweight Champion. Hendricks provided updates on his weight cut on social media, and recently posted a photo of himself 40 days away from weigh-ins.
Johny Hendricks vs. Stephen Thompson is the co-main event of UFC 196, which takes place on February 6th, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The main event features a rematch between Fabricio Werdum and Cain Velasquez for the UFC Heavyweight Championship.