Johny Hendricks: Bad weight cut made me consider retirement
Johny Hendricks lost his UFC welterweight title to Robbie Lawler last month after fading in the last two rounds. Post-fight, Hendricks admitted that his extreme weight-cutting to make the 170 pound limit had taken a toll on him.
"Bigg Rigg" walks around with nearly an extra fifty pounds of fat on him in between fights, but admitted this week to Ariel Helwani that the weight drop for his UFC 181 title defense against Lawler was so miserable that he considered retirement. "Let's just say it won't ever happen again," Hendricks said.
"If it does, than yes, i'll have to be 185 or be done. I don't think my body can handle another one like that...It was either [change my approach], or retire. That's how bad that weight cut was."
Hendricks blamed half of his weight and energy issues on an unnamed source, but took responsibility for the other half. "It sucks because the last couple fights have been where it's been questionable. And it's been half my fault. I can't do that weight cut. I can't balloon up to 218 and think that [nutrition coach Mike] Dolce can get me down to weight. That's where I'm taking the responsibility," he said.
Hendricks believes that walking around much lighter will help his health and energy during training and his fights because, you know, that's how it has always worked for everybody. "[Now] I'm walking around at [195 pounds], and I'm getting my muscle mass back, I'm looking to get my body weight back," he revealed.
"It will also be better for me when I fight, because I'll have my power back, my steam, and you feel like you're hitting hard again. That makes me happy."
We may miss burger chain tips from our eating champ friend Hendricks, but we're happy to hear that he's planning on getting and staying healthier, year-round. He's an all-time great talent and has another title fight against Lawler coming up.
If the wrestler has his ways, he'll accomplish much more at welterweight.
"I wanted to do things at welterweight. That belt is waiting for me, and I want to get that thing back, and if I do the right thing, I might the right sacrifices, good Lord willing I'll get it back."
