A former UFC champion's journey took an unexpected turn, leading to one of the most dramatic declines in the sport's history.
On February 7, 2016, a legendary UFC fighter's story began to unravel in Las Vegas. Stephen Thompson, the oldest active fighter at the time, had already envisioned his retirement plans. With a background in kickboxing, 'Wonderboy' made his Octagon debut in 2012, bringing a 5-0 MMA record.
Thompson's latest defeat may have left a bitter taste, but his final run in the promotion was still commendable compared to other legends' farewells. He showcased his elite striking skills, dominating a former champion in a pivotal fight.
But here's where it gets controversial... Which UFC legend experienced the most devastating downfall? Share your thoughts and reasons in the comments below.
Stephen Thompson's rise to prominence began with a dominant performance against Johny Hendricks, signaling a changing of the guard in the welterweight division. Many still argue that Hendricks should have defeated Georges St-Pierre at UFC 167, despite the split decision loss. Hendricks went on to claim the 170-pound title, beating Robbie Lawler, but his reign was short-lived as he lost the belt in their rematch.
A victory over Matt Brown put Hendricks back in the title picture, but his encounter with Thompson marked a turning point. With five wins under his belt, Thompson faced the #2-ranked contender, a significant step up in competition. Once Hendricks' takedown attempts failed, it became evident that 'Wonderboy' was in control. Thompson unleashed a powerful spinning kick, sending the former champion crashing into the cage. Hendricks was stopped moments later, in a shocking result that left 90 seconds on the clock in the first round.
And this is the part most people miss... Hendricks' career took a dramatic turn after this fight. Unable to rely on his wrestling to counter Thompson's striking, Hendricks looked out of his element. However, no one could have foreseen the rapid decline that followed.
Hendricks' final UFC fight came just three years after his title victory, with a disappointing 1-4 record post-Thompson, including three weight misses. His last outing, a one-sided loss to Paulo Costa, stands as one of the biggest mismatches in recent memory.
Fortunately, Hendricks has found a new calling as a police officer in Texas, moving on from his fighting career.
What do you think? Is Hendricks' fall from grace the most dramatic in UFC history? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
