5. Johny Hendricks
As with fighters on previous lists, Hendricks looked to be poised for an even higher placement when he became champion. A dominant wrestler with a monstrous left cross he used to put away countless opponents, in his prime he was at least a slightly better version of Georges St. Pierre. Prior to his rematch against Robbie Lawler at UFC 181, Hendricks was undisputed welterweight world champion with a 16-2 record, which included victories over Carlos Condit, a 46-second demolition of Martin Kampmann, a 12-second obliteration of Jon Fitch, T.J. Grant, admittedly razor-thin split decisions against Josh Koscheck and Mike Pierce, and clearly defeating Robbie Lawler for the welterweight title. However, it might be one of his two losses that was the most impressive. No, not the one to Rick Story, but the one against St. Pierre, possibly the greatest fighter ever, which most people, myself included, thought he won.
Hendricks was only 31 at the time of UFC 181, and seemingly at the peak of his powers. After losing a tight decision most thought he deserved to win, Hendricks went through a rapid and embarrassing decline, failing to make weight, coming out lethargic, and losing to fighters not remotely in his league. After defeating Matt Brown by decision, he lost five of six fights before calling it a career, and while it was one thing to lose to Stephen Thompson or an undefeated Paulo Costa at middleweight, losses to Neil Magny, Kelvin Gastelum and especially a knockout loss to Tim Boetsch are far below what one expects of Top 10 legends, especially before they even turn 35. Much has been speculated about the reasons for his shocking drop in form, but regardless, Hendricks was one of the very best in the entire sport from 2012 to 2015.
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