UFC champ Johny Hendricks to undergo surgery next week for torn bicep

Newly minted UFC welterweight champ Johny Hendricks (16-2 MMA, 11-2 UFC) is expected to undergo surgery next week for a torn bicep he suffered prior to his title-winning bout against Robbie Lawler (22-10 MMA, 7-4 UFC), and he could be sidelined between two and three months.

Hendricks today told Los Angeles radio station KROQ that he sustained the bicep injury less than two weeks prior to his headliner at UFC 171, which took place this past Saturday in Dallas, and also suffered a fractured shin in the first round of his title fight.

His longtime manager, Ted Erhardt, confirmed the injuries and expected recovery window to MMAjunkie.

In an interview Monday with MMAFighting.com, Hendricks said he suffered an elbow injury and contemplated backing out prior to the grueling five-round pay-per-view fight. He didn’t and went on to win a unanimous decision.

Hendricks seized the belt left vacant by the semi-retired Georges St-Pierre, whom he recently called to rematch after a controversial UFC 167 loss to the former champ in November. He appeared Monday on MMAjunkie Radio to make the request and added he would put the welterweight strap in a bank vault.

Several standout welterweights have emerged since Hendricks’ win to call for the next shot at the belt, including Tyron Woodley and Hector Lombard, who both were victorious in separate bouts at UFC 171. The UFC is waiting to decide who will get the title opportunity.

After his trip to the bank, Hendricks plans on taking some much-needed time off to spend with his family.

For complete coverage of UFC 171, stay tuned to the UFC Events section of the site.