Johny Hendricks is your new UFC Welterweight champion.
The American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas played host to UFC 171 over the weekend, where a stellar five bout line-up on the main card had fans on the edge of their seats, and longing for more action.
Headlining the event was a much anticipated Welterweight title affair that for the very first time, featured neither Georges St. Pierre nor Matt Hughes in over a decade. Challengers Johny Hendricks and Robbie Lawler engaged in a classic for the ages, with both men showcasing their respective striking skill-sets en route to one of the closest decisions in the history of the company. Hendricks, however, took the nod in the end, and was awarded the vacant 170-lbs belt.
In the co-main event, another premier 170-lbs clash took place between Strikeforce import Tyron Woodley, and former UFC interim champ, Carlos Condit. After a knee injury which forced Condit to retreat onto the canvas in the second round, Woodley was declared the winner via TKO. The 31-year-old now finds himself on a two-fight win streak.
Elsewhere on the main card, there were wins for Ovince St. Preux, Hector Lombard and Myles Jury.
So with that, it’s that time again where we at MMASucka.com play “matchmaker” and derive match-ups that could materialize for the main card winners. Sitting on the matchmaker’s armchair is no easy task by any standards so if your solutions differ from ours, state them in the comments section below.
Let’s get started!
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- Name: Ovince St. Preux (15-5)
- Who he should contest next: Ryan Bader (16-4)
With both fighters looking to make their way into 205-lbs title contention, this is a perfect match-up to have on a future UFC card. St. Preux has only lost once in four years and has amassed four straight victories in the UFC. Bader, meanwhile, is still considered a prospect at 205-lbs despite his ups and downs, and this could be match-up that will solidify his status in the top ten rankings should he get the victory.
- Name: Hector Lombard (34-4-1, 1 NC)
- Who he should contest next: Dong Hyun Kim (19-2-1, 1 NC)
The former Bellator champ was pretty much on the cusp of a title shot before that lackluster victory over Jake Shields changed everything. It wasn’t the best of performances by a long shot but a match-up with Dong Hyun Kim, who happens to be on a tear with his stellar win streak, would be perfect in getting the best out of Lombard. Both fighters garner an impressive record of finishing fights and this 170-lbs battle could well be an early candidate for ‘Fight of the Year’ honors.
- Name: Myles Jury (14-0)
- Who he should contest next: Winner of Bobby Green (22-5) vs. Jim Miller (23-4, 1 NC)
Myles Jury stuck to his technical facets and outpointed the always dangerous Diego Sanchez for a lopsided decision. ‘Fury’ is on a roll now with a 5-0 record under the UFC banner, and in fact, is yet to encounter a blemish on his perfect resume to date. Facing the winner of Bobby Green vs. Jim Miller at UFC 172 next would be perfect in determining if the 25-year-old is indeed ready for the big boys in the 155-lbs division.
- Name: Johny Hendricks (16-2)
- Who he should contest next: Winner of Tyron Woodley (13-2) vs. Rory MacDonald (16-2)
With the welterweight division so wide and open, we can probably come up with a half a dozen names as number one contenders for Johny Hendricks’ belt. But, none can befittingly come close to Woodley and MacDonald, whom are certainly at the top of the 170-lbs pile following massive victories in their previous outings. While some may argue that a rematch with Lawler should be in the works, it would, however, seem fit if Lawler garnered another victory under his belt before rallying for another title shot.
For full UFC 171 results, click here.
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