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Johny Hendricks one step closer to title shot after dominating Matt Brown

Johny Hendricks one step closer to title shot after dominating Matt Brown

Almost one year to the day since winning the welterweight championship at UFC 171, Johny Hendricks returned to the American Airlines Center on Saturday night at UFC 185 in Dallas with his sights set on earning another title shot for a belt he still can’t fully grasp how he lost.

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Following a dominant unanimous victory against gritty welterweight stalwart Matt “The Immortal” Brown, Hendricks might get his wish later this year.

The opening frame set the pace for the rest of the fight. Hendricks bullied Brown with looping hooks and precision cage control. When Brown looked to tie up or use some of his submission skills, Hendricks powered out of the attempts and landed punishing offense of his own.

By the middle of the fight, Hendricks landed his lead left at will. It was a resilient display by the former All-American collegiate wrestler, who has made quite the name for himself as a power puncher (Hendricks is a three-time KO of the Night recipient).

His big left hook paved the way for takedowns – and the 31-year-old landed them at will. Hendricks landed nine takedowns in total, compared to Brown’s zero, according to FightMetric.

Post-fight, however, Hendricks was more than a little displeased with his performance. But leave it to a hospitable Texas crowd to cheer its hometown boy up:

“This is why I love Texas, right here!” yelled Hendricks after initially shaking his head when Joe Rogan stepped up.

“That wasn’t a good fight,” continued Hendricks. “I just can’t figure it out, man. I’m going out there, I’m starting strong, but, hell, I just can’t finish.”

Rogan assured him that the fight was more than entertaining.

“Yeah, but I want perfect.”

The welterweight title is on the line when Robbie Lawler meets Canadian challenger Rory MacDonald at UFC 189 on July 11. And after a nice rest, Hendricks made it clear that he has dibbs on “his” title.

“Whoever wins out of those two -- I don’t care -- I want one of ‘em. I don’t care,” Hendricks said. “And I’m gonna win. I got six months and that’ll be the best Johny Hendricks you’ve ever seen.”