The world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has seen numerous fighters hang up their gloves only to return to the ring. However, this is not the case for Johny Hendricks, the former UFC Welterweight Champion. He bid his final farewell to the world of MMA in 2018, at the age of 34, after being defeated consecutively by Tim Boetsch and Paulo Costa, a past challenger of the title.
His last time stepping into the ring was not for an MMA fight; he made his final appearance in the sport of bare-knuckle boxing, where he was ultimately defeated via TKO. Hendricks, with an impressive career tally of 18-8, retired from the rigorous and intense world of MMA and boxing but his legacy is certainly not forgotten.
Looking back, Hendricks, affectionately known as ‘Big Rig’, had an achievement-filled career. He was victorious against well-established and revered welterweights such as Robbie Lawler and Carlos Condit. He also came close to snatching the championship crown from Georges St-Pierre, the reigning champion back in 2013.
Today, the once commanding figure in the ring is 41 years old, and a decade has passed since his glory days. The thrill, the competitiveness, and the unpredictability of the fight game, however, still hold a special place in Hendricks’ heart.
Hendricks confided, ‘The element of competition in MMA, the unforeseen twists and turns, I miss all of that. The excitement of not knowing what was coming in every second of the game, keeping you on your toes and forcing you to adapt, is a feeling I still reminisce about.
He further added, ‘One of the beautiful yet challenging aspects of the sport was its unpredictability; any moment could be a triumph or a failure. That, in itself, was an adrenaline rush. However, there came a point when the thrill started to feel like work, and I knew retirement was the next step.’
Hendrick’s love for the fights does not seem to have diminished though, even in his retirement. Even today, he still finds himself indulging in an occasional watch of UFC matches, but he admits that he tries to maintain some distance.
In his words, ‘There is a certain level of enjoyment when I watch the matches, trying to predict the fighter’s next move, how they would attempt to win. But, for the most part, I try to steer clear of it.’
‘The risk, however, of watching too many fights,’ Hendricks disclosed, ‘is that it could reignite in me the desire to return to the ring.’ It’s a testament to the profound impact the sport has had on him, and a hint of longing for the excitement he’d once lived.
Once the MMA gloves were off in 2018, life took Hendricks in a completely different direction, one that was still rooted in his love for sports. After his retirement, he found himself investing his time and energy into the wrestling room, donning the hat of a coach.
Transitioning from fighter to mentor, Hendricks found a different way to channel his fighting spirit. He moved from the center of the ring, under the spotlight, to the perimeter, shaping and guiding the next generation of wrestling athletes.
But life had more plans for Hendricks, and he found another way to serve and protect. After making a meaningful impact on young wrestlers as a coach, he stepped into yet another crucial role, swapping his coach’s hat with that of a police officer’s cap.
He embraced the duty to maintain law and order in Texas. Swapping the octagon for a patrol vehicle, he used the same dedication and commitment that made him a MMA champion to serve his community.
In essence, Hendricks’ tale is a story of resilience, evolution, and a never-ending love for the sport. Even though he removed the gloves and remained true to his decision of retirement, Hendricks could never totally remove himself from the world of combat sports.
He retired from the limelight, but he will forever have the heart of a fighter. Whether in the wrestling room, as a coach guiding future athletes, or as an officer maintaining law and order, Hendricks carries his fighting spirit with him.
In conclusion, Johny Hendricks’ tale serves as an inspiring story for all, demonstrating that life and one’s career can take numerous unexpected turns. And throughout all, one’s passion and spirit remain intact, even if the context changes.