Would prime Hendricks be champ today?

[pThree]

Hendricks was obviously a better striker than Usman but was also thoroughly outwrestled and outclinched by Rick Story and Josh Koscheck.

Tough fight for both, but I give Hendricks the edge. Johny does lose to Colby and Wonderboy though.

 

[Pitier of Fools]

Yes. I've said for a while now that prime Hendricks would have been a nightmare matchup for Usman. Better striking, good enough wrestling to not get laid on for five rounds, and the cardio to keep up with Usman's pace.

 

[beephin]

Prime Hendricks was the real deal. That left hand was no joke and I don't see anybody holding him down for five rounds.

Hendricks vs. Usman would be nuts.

I think Colby would give Hendricks the most trouble outside of WB though.

 

[pThree]

Yes. I've said for a while now that prime Hendricks would have been a nightmare matchup for Usman. Better striking, good enough wrestling to not get laid on for five rounds, and the cardio to keep up with Usman's pace.

I give Usman a significant edge in the clinch and cardio but getting the fight to where he wants would be problematic.

 

[Slatersan]

Prime pre usada hendricks vs a post usada anybody.

 

[Liverkick-king56]

He struggled with Kos but his hands were pretty elite in the GSP and first Lawler fight.

I’d pick him to win the first 2 rounds comfortably but without his ability to wrestle when things get tough like he did against Lawler the first time I think Usman takes the last 2 comfortably with his jab, ability to adapt and clinch work. It would come down to who won the 3rd.

I’d favour Hendricks though the guy had such underrated boxing

 

[CoachDitka]

By prime I assume you mean juiced. If so, then yes, until he failed a test at least.

 

[TJ177]

Why is Hendricks always the poster boy for unsubstantiated PED claims?

 

[Kos Fan]

Sorry, this guy is on steroids:

But this guy isn't?

A guy who was on steroids

A guy who is clean

 

[Mike]

He certainly has a chance. Either he catches Usman early or gets outwrestled down the stretch.

 

[Mike]

Why is Hendricks always the poster boy for unsubstantiated PED claims?

Because he dropped off dramatically and instantly after USADA. Unlike a lot of other guys that get usada accusations, Hendricks wasn't old and weathered prior to Usada.

 

[Kos Fan]

Why is Hendricks always the poster boy for unsubstantiated PED claims?

He had possibly the biggest fall from grace of any UFC champion except for maybe Barao.

 

[Pizza Werewolf]

At what weightclass?

 

[hbombfromhell]

 

[Doughie99]

Hendricks was obviously a better striker than Usman but was also thoroughly outwrestled and outclinched by Rick Story and Josh Koscheck.

Tough fight for both, but I give Hendricks the edge. Johny does lose to Colby and Wonderboy though.

Sure.

In competitive Eating, he'd be ranked in the Top 5 :

 

[fastone]

Sorry, this guy is on steroids:

But this guy isn't?

underrated post...

 

[RetiredSlave]

Hows it going Bigg Rigg?

 

[HaulParris]

I don't think Hendricks' striking (other than the KO power in his overhand) is that much better than Usman's.

 

[Doughie99]

underrated post...

I agree, it's an under-rated post.

 

[Shocktagon]

This vaunted "Prime Hendricks" only exists in highlight reels that don't show his many close and/or controversial moments during his run to the top. Current Usman is a safe pick against any version of Hendricks.