Hendricks Already Studying Fitch for December Showdown

---

The fight was just announced Monday, but Johny Hendricks has already begun strategizing for his Dec. 30 matchup against Jon Fitch at UFC 141.

“I’m watching films on him,” Hendricks told the Sherdog Radio Network’s “Beatdown” show. “I’m talking to [trainer Marc Laimon] on the phone. I talk to him and say, ‘This is what minute I’m at.’ We’re already game planning. We’re already sitting down and we’re already getting guys that are Fitch’s style.”

Fitch’s style is a difficult one. He’s a grinder, a very good wrestler and he knows how to win, as evidenced by his stellar 13-1-1 record in the UFC.

“I know he’s going to try to take me down,” Hendricks said. “He’s going to pass the guard and then once he gets in a comfortable position, he’s going to make sure he lands enough and does enough damage to stay in that position. He’s going to wait for me to move and sit there and counter, counter, counter and try to wear me out. That’s his style, and it works. I know that, so what do I have to do to prevent that? That’s part of the game, which I like.”

Of course, Hendricks won’t be easy to take down by any stretch. He was a two-time NCAA wrestling champion at Oklahoma State, which gives him the superior wrestling credentials. He would rather fight on the feet, though.

“I hope it’s a striking match, but I don’t think it’s going to be that way,” Hendricks said. “I think what it’s going to be is who can impose their will in the wrestling. If I’m pushing him against the cage and taking him down, how is he going to be able to counter that? And also the same thing with me.”

In Hendricks’ view, it will be critical to stay off his back.

“He’s not really going to try to just throw bombs at you when he’s on top,” Hendricks said. “He’s more of a technical fighter. That poses a great threat because if you get on your back, you’re most likely going to stay there the rest of the round. That’s one thing you’ve really got to focus on whenever you’re fighting Jon Fitch, is not letting that happen.”

It’s a huge challenge and one that virtually every Fitch opponent in the UFC has been unable to overcome. Only welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre has beaten Fitch in the Octagon, and only B.J. Penn has drawn with him. If Hendricks can pull off the win, however, he could set himself up for a title shot.

“That’s what I’m hoping,” he said. “That’s why I was really excited when they announced it. He’s got the best record in the UFC. There’s only one person that’s beat him in the Octagon. If you beat him, that puts you somewhere.”

Listen to the full interview (beginning at 1:27:12).