Imagine witnessing a fall from grace that leaves a lasting impact on the world of sports—this is precisely what occurred in 2016, marking the beginning of a dramatic decline for a UFC icon in Las Vegas.
On this fateful day, Stephen Thompson, notably the oldest active fighter in the UFC roster, began contemplating his retirement plans. His journey in mixed martial arts (MMA) started when he transitioned from kickboxing to make his UFC debut in 2012, entering the arena with an unblemished 5-0 record in MMA.
While Thompson may have felt disappointment after his most recent loss, it's worth noting that his final chapter in the promotion has been less disheartening compared to some of his peers who have faced more challenging exits. This seasoned striker is all too aware of the harsh realities of combat sports, having triumphed over a former champion in a pivotal match that highlighted a significant shift within the welterweight division.
- LATEST NEWS: In a surprising twist, Justin Gaethje has named the date he intends to retire but also hinted that one more victory could alter his plans significantly.
This begs the question: Which UFC legend experienced the worst farewell in the organization? Feel free to share your thoughts and reasoning in the comments about who you believe suffered the most notorious fall from grace.
Stephen Thompson's stunning victory over Johny Hendricks symbolized a pivotal moment in the welterweight landscape.
Many fans still argue that Hendricks should have won the welterweight title against Georges St-Pierre at UFC 167, despite the judges awarding him a split decision loss. He later captured the 170-pound championship by defeating Robbie Lawler, only to lose it again in their subsequent rematch. After bouncing back with a win against Matt Brown following his title fight defeat at UFC 185, Hendricks seemed poised for another run. However, his bout against Thompson on this day in 2016 represented a dramatic shift in the welterweight hierarchy.
Having secured five consecutive wins after experiencing a setback in his second Octagon appearance, Thompson faced a formidable challenge in the form of the #2-ranked contender. As soon as Hendricks failed to complete his first two takedown attempts, it became apparent that Thompson was well-equipped to conquer this challenge.
With powerful strikes that pushed Hendricks back, Thompson executed a stunning spinning kick that sent the former champion crashing against the cage. Moments later, the fight came to a halt, with Thompson claiming victory just 90 seconds before the end of the first round, a result that sent shockwaves through the sport.
- LATEST NEWS: Georges St-Pierre recently suggested that a current UFC champion is on track to outshine him and claim the title of greatest of all time (GOAT).
Johny Hendricks' career trajectory took a sharp downward turn following this fight. Once he couldn't rely on his wrestling skills to counter Thompson’s striking prowess, it became clear that he was outmatched.
In a surprising twist, few anticipated the downward spiral that awaited Hendricks after he held the welterweight title in 2014. His last fight in the UFC came just three years after his memorable victory over Lawler, during which he managed to secure only one win against four losses—including missing weight on three occasions.
Hendricks faced a devastating defeat at the hands of Paulo Costa in what many consider one of the most lopsided matchups of the last decade. Fortunately for him, it seems Hendricks has discovered a new calling outside of fighting—he has embarked on a new career as a police officer in Texas, signaling a hopeful new chapter in his life.
Join Our Newsletter
Stay updated with a compilation of our best Bloody Elbow content delivered straight to your inbox each week!
