On February 6, 2016, the MMA world witnessed a moment that would forever alter the trajectory of a UFC legend’s career—a brutal spinning kick that sent former welterweight champion Johny Hendricks crashing into the cage, marking the beginning of one of the most dramatic falls from grace in combat sports history. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was this the moment that truly defined Hendricks’ decline, or were the seeds of his downfall sown long before? Let’s dive into the story, unravel the complexities, and explore why this fight remains a pivotal moment in UFC lore.
Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson, a kickboxing phenom turned MMA standout, stepped into the Octagon that night as the underdog. With a modest 5-0 MMA record at the time of his UFC debut in 2012, Thompson had steadily climbed the ranks, but facing the #2-ranked contender—and former champion—was his biggest test yet. Meanwhile, Hendricks, fresh off a controversial split-decision loss to Georges St-Pierre at UFC 167, had already claimed the welterweight title in 2014 by defeating Robbie Lawler. Many fans still debate whether Hendricks truly lost to GSP, adding another layer of intrigue to his story.
And this is the part most people miss: Hendricks’ inability to execute his signature wrestling game against Thompson exposed a vulnerability that would haunt him for the rest of his career. Once Thompson thwarted Hendricks’ takedown attempts, the fight became a striking showcase—one that ‘Wonderboy’ dominated. A devastating spinning kick not only slammed Hendricks into the cage but also signaled a changing of the guard in the welterweight division. The fight was stopped with just 90 seconds left in the first round, leaving fans stunned and Hendricks’ future in question.
What followed for Hendricks was a precipitous decline. After losing to Thompson, he went 1-4 in his final UFC run, including three weight misses and a humiliating defeat to Paulo Costa in his last fight—a bout so one-sided that Joe Rogan called it an ‘assault.’ But here’s the thought-provoking question: Was Hendricks’ fall a result of age, weight-cutting struggles, or simply the evolution of the sport leaving him behind? Share your thoughts in the comments—this is a debate worth having.
Thompson, on the other hand, continued to thrive, though he now contemplates retirement as the oldest active fighter on the UFC roster. His journey, while not without setbacks, stands in stark contrast to Hendricks’ tumultuous exit. Speaking of exits, which UFC legend do you think had the most disappointing final run? Let us know below.
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