Just hours ahead of one of the biggest rematches in UFC welterweight history, the chatter from both Johny Hendricks and Robbie Lawler is heating up. The champion seems confident, yet aware that a significant challenge and threat to his title is at hand.
Taking Nothing for Granted
It all starts with preparation. Both fighters obviously work hard, but Hendricks has taken a special approach since he became champion.
Per the UFC's Twitter account, Hendricks said this:
"How do I keep from losing my title? I train like I don't have it." @JohnyHendricks #UFC181 #TheTimeIsNow
— #TheTimeIsNow (@ufc) December 4, 2014
Training is something that Hendricks has always prided himself on, but there are two factors to consider heading into Saturday's bout.
Hendricks missed weight initially for the first fight but came back and made it under the 170-pound limit on his second try. He'll have to be careful to make sure he's where he needs to be to prevent another late weight cut.
Also, Hendricks is coming off surgery to repair a torn bicep. There is a question as to how that injury might have impacted his training and conditioning. If this bout goes five rounds like the first one did, that conditioning will be put to the test.
Thrilling Sequel?
The champion has seemingly guaranteed the rematch will be just as thrilling as the first fight.
"If you were on the edge of your seat during our first fight, expect the same this time around" @JohnyHendricks #UFC181 #TheTimeIsNow
— #TheTimeIsNow (@ufc) December 4, 2014
If that's the case, we might be looking at a strong candidate for Fight of the Year. Besides the two men's first encounter, we haven't seen a ton of memorable fights in 2014 as compared to years past.
If Lawler-Hendricks 2 can produce fireworks, it could be mentioned in the same breath as the first fight, as well as Matt Brown-Erick Silva from UFC Fight Night 40.
GSP Don't Want None of This
When Hendricks and Lawler engaged in their epic battle, it was for the title vacated by Georges St-Pierre. Hendricks seemed to have beaten GSP when they met in Nov. 2013. Instead, GSP escaped with a controversial split-decision victory and his title.
There have been rumblings about a GSP comeback since he left. Hendricks wants GSP to know that if he did return, he's got something waiting for him. Per MMA Geek, Hendricks said:
Sherdog - Johny Hendricks: It Could Be ‘Dangerous’ for GSP to Come Back to Fight Me http://t.co/DBhAJs4bD2 #mma
— Mixed Martial Arts (@MMAgeek) December 2, 2014
There's definitely some unfinished business there. While many believe Hendricks won the first fight, in the official records, it reads a loss.
Keeping it Simple
Lawler wants to stand and strike.
That's his game and everyone knows it. He has to make sure his takedown defense is in order against opponents who excel in that area. I'd say he's done a pretty good job of it considering his last three opponents are 6-for-21 in takedown attempts against him.
This used to be one of Lawler's primary weaknesses. What's changed in The Ruthless One's game?
"I’m new and improved and just beating people up now" @Ruthless_RL Tag five friends you're watching #UFC181 with pic.twitter.com/FiGncwJ5E5
— #TheTimeIsNow (@ufc) December 3, 2014
His evolution from a 20-year-old in the UFC to the complete fighter he is today is one of the more fascinating stories in sport's history. He's faced just about everyone there is of note in his weight region over his 12-year career.
"I'm excited to be here and I'm ready to showcase who I am on Saturday" @Ruthless_RL #UFC181 #TheTimeIsNow
— #TheTimeIsNow (@ufc) December 4, 2014
Now he has as good a chance as he'll ever have to capture UFC gold.
Stats per FightMetric.com
Follow Brian Mazique on Twitter. I dig boxing and MMA.
