Johny Hendricks, a name synonymous with Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), succeeded in stepping away from the sport’s limelight, which isn’t always the case for others. A former UFC Welterweight Champion, Hendricks bid adieu to his intricate, intense profession in 2018. The 34-year-old was at this crossroads after being defeated by Tim Boetsch and Paulo Costa consecutively.
Hendricks (18-8), aka ‘Big Rig’, hung his gloves after one final stint in bare-knuckle boxing that unwound on an unhoped note with a TKO loss later the same year. His career, however, was one to be admired and lauded for the sheer determination and technique he put on display, grappling down worthy opponents like Robbie Lawler and Carlos Condit.
Almost managing to unseat the reigning king Georges St-Pierre in 2013 remains one of Hendricks’s key career highlights. Now at the age of 41, Johny Hendricks confesses his longing to return to the exciting unpredictability of the fight ring. A decade might have passed since his heyday, but his passion for the game has only grown stronger.
“The thrill of competition, the suspense of not knowing, I miss that,” shared Hendricks. He explained that the thrill of adapting every split second, of being constantly awake to the dangers and chances of triumph or defeat, had bound him to the sport. These were the aspects of the game that he cherished deeply.
Hendricks also mentioned that the point at which his beloved sport felt like a routine job was when he began contemplating retirement. Today, however, there are moments when he yearns for the adrenal rush of his fighting days. So, while he has moved past his active MMA career, he didn’t sever all ties with his sporting past.
Discussing his ongoing Ken with fighting, Hendricks confessed his occasional indulgence in watching UFC events, though it isn’t a practice he resorts to frequently. This selective disengagement from his once-daily routine reveals the fine balancing act he is performing between reminiscing days of glory and the threat of getting pulled back into the action.
His fascination, even now, lies in deciphering fighter strategies. Nonetheless, for most parts, Hendricks maintains a strict distance from his erstwhile life in the ring. This is certainly not an indication of lost interest in the game but a conscious effort to not stir his retired fighter spirit.
Hendricks adds lightheartedly, that watching these fights doesn’t necessarily mean he wishes to do so more often. He understands the accompanying risk of reviving his old cravings. “I’d like to watch more, only if it didn’t jeopardise the retirement,” he says as he paints his love for the game with caution.
Following Hendricks’ retirement from MMA, the transition to a different life beckoned. His next venture was to reconnect with his sport in a different way. He dusted off his coaching hat to impart his fight wisdom in wrestling rooms. This decision was a method to stay in touch with the game without physically being a part of it.
Besides keeping a foot in the sporting world, Johny also stepped into a role of societal importance. He embarked on a new career as a police officer in Texas. As he transitions from conquering the fight ring to safeguarding the community, he carries forward his sense of discipline, resilience, and courage from his former life.