Stephen Thompson: Johny Hendricks is probably the highest-caliber opponent I've faced
The last time we checked in with "Wonderboy," we asked him about defending takedowns before contact takes place with an opponent, by using footwork. He broke down those principles beautifully, and he's put them into practice better and better with each passing bout.
Facing the former NCAA Division I wrestling national champion Hendricks would seem to offer up Thompson his toughest takedown defense test, yet. "Oh definitely," he admitted to us, recently.
"I got the call to fight Johny Hendricks and I was a little nervous. But, why be in the game if you're not going to go for gold? If I want to be champion, I've got to get past him. Let's do it.
"More than anything, I'm excited to fight him because he was the welterweight champion. It's probably the highest caliber fighter I've ever faced in my fighting career."
For that reason, the always analytical Thompson is already deep into studying Hendricks. "When he was a possibility, I immediately began going back to look at footage of him," he revealed.
"I started going over situations in my head, trying to find openings -- if he does have any. I've been working on my takedown defense -- I already started that. I've got some good training partners to come in during camp. I'm going to be ready for it."
Thompson, who has for years traveled to help the likes of Georges St-Pierre, Chris Weidman and Rashad Evans train for their fights, stays near home under the tutelage of his head coach and father for his own fights. He said he'll have more than enough time to prepare for Hendricks, and he'll focus on being as strong as he can be to handle the powerful KO artist.
"Normally we start six weeks out so yeah, eight weeks is good enough for a long training camp. We went right into it," he said.
"Just getting into shape, getting strong because he is super strong. I know he is going to make weight this time because he wants to prove a point, so there's no doubt in my mind that he'll be on weight."
Thompson went on to say he's considering trying to get St-Pierre to come work with him, since GSP has already gone five rounds with Hendricks, in his last bout. "That's definitely something that has come up between me and my father," he said.
"He's been in a five-round war with him and so knows what he's about."
In the end, however, Thompson believes that who Hendricks is -- as tough as that is â is plain for just about anyone to see. "I don't see Hendricks making many drastic changes in his game plan," he ended.
