Under the Microscope: Analyzing Welterweight Greats

Johny Hendricks lost his grip on UFC gold -- for now. | Photo: D. Mandel/Sherdog.com

Johny Hendricks

* Welterweight Record: 13-3 (.813)
* Opponent Winning Percentage: .745
* Longest Winning Streak: 9
* Record in Major Welterweight Title Fights: 1-2
* Finish Percentage: 46.2
* Finished Percentage: 0
* Notable Victories: Robbie Lawler, Carlos Kondit, Martin Kampmann, Josh Koscheck, Jon Fitch
* Career Accomplishments: Former UFC welterweight champion; seven-time UFC and World Extreme Cagefighting “Performance of the Night” bonus winner

CASE FOR: “Bigg Rigg” had only three professional fights under his belt when he made the jump to the big leagues, and he has never looked back. After winning 12 of his first 13 fights under the Zuffa banner -- a run that included wins over three former title contenders -- Hendricks was given a crack at George St. Pierre’s title. It was a quintessential example of a fighter’s stock rising after a loss, as many believed Hendricks had proved himself the best welterweight on the planet despite St. Pierre retaining his title with a split decision. In fact, both of Hendricks’ championship missteps were split decisions, leaving room for argument that he could very well be a 15-1 champion with two defenses to his name. Add that to an otherwise sterling non-championship fight resume and durability that has rendered him unfinishable thus far and Hendricks has the potential to solidify his name as the all-time great welterweight. At 31 years old, the time is now.

CASE AGAINST: At this point, Hendricks just has not done enough. Yes, in a hypothetical world where judges sided differently, he would have some title defenses. In the real world, he does not. That is a glaring hole compared to the rest of the entries on this list. Beyond his single championship victory, Hendricks has very little to his name to separates him from the rest of the pack; even Matt Serra, who no one would suggest is the greatest welterweight of all-time, can match that accomplishment. In terms of the metrics we are using to gauge fighter greatness, Hendricks falls flatly in the middle of the heap in every one of them. Time is on his side and he has a very real chance at padding his career statistics enough to throw his name in the mix, but based off of his portfolio now, he is lacking.

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