Did Johny Hendricks tap out in UFC 167 headliner? Evidence is thin at best

LAS VEGAS – Whether it’s a growing legion of believers or simply a vocal minority, some UFC 167 viewers have suggested Johny Hendricks tapped out in the first round of Saturday’s headliner. The evidence is thin at best, though.

Hendricks (15-2 MMA, 10-2 UFC), who ultimately suffered a controversial split-decision defeat to welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre (25-2 MMA, 19-2 UFC), was reeling after Saturday’s pay-per-view event at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena. The challenger clearly thought he won – and nearly all cageside media members agreed – but ultimately St-Pierre claimed the victory via 47-48, 48-47 and 48-47 scores.

However, more than a few fans have suggested the fight should have never gotten out of the first round. They argue that Hendricks tapped out during a scramble in the opening minute of the fight.

However, as can be seen with the above .gif, the evidence is weak, if not nonexistent. After St-Pierre sweeps with a guillotine choke,  Hendricks pushes away the champ’s thigh and gets to his knees. Neither Hendricks nor St-Pierre reacted in any manner that suggested there was any confusion over a tap.

Even UFC lightweight and ground specialist Joe Lauzon was quick to dismiss the speculation:

@ReighnBMS @enigmachine @ekc wasn’t a tap… that GIF stutters… he is defending the choke positing on the hip.

— Joe Lauzon (@JoeLauzon) November 17, 2013

What do you think?

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