Georges St-Pierre believes Johny Hendricks’ best days are behind him.
St-Pierre last competed in a professional mixed martial arts (MMA) bout against Hendricks back in Nov. 2013. “Rush” took a split decision win over “Bigg Rigg” and then went on a hiatus. St-Pierre vacated his title, and Hendricks won the vacant gold against Robbie Lawler.
Fast forward to 2017 and St-Pierre is making his Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) return against Michael Bisping for the middleweight title. Meanwhile, Hendricks is coming off a unanimous decision win over Hector Lombard in his 185-pound debut.
Recently, Hendricks found himself in the headlines after saying he wished St-Pierre would’ve stayed retired. “Bigg Rigg” also admitted he’d happily take another crack at “Rush.”
St-Pierre caught wind of Hendricks’ comments and delivered a response on UFC Unfiltered (via MMAJunkie.com):
“I believe the best Johny Hendricks I’ve seen is gone. When he fought Jon Fitch, Martin Kampmann, Carlos Condit – when he fought me – I think this Johny Hendricks is gone. I didn’t feel the same pop, the same explosiveness. Maybe he’s going to prove [me] wrong at 185 maybe, but I feel he’s not the same anymore. We’ll see what’s going to happen with him. Maybe if he bounces back like before. I believe he has the tools to go back to title contention for 185.”
