The dramatic downfall of a UFC legend began with a spectacular head kick that sent him careening into the cage! On this very day in 2016, a pivotal moment unfolded in Las Vegas, marking the start of a steep decline for a former UFC champion. Stephen Thompson, affectionately known as ‘Wonderboy,’ a fighter who was already the oldest active competitor on the UFC roster and contemplating retirement, had made his Octagon debut in 2012 with a modest 5-0 MMA record after transitioning from kickboxing. While Thompson might have been feeling the sting of his most recent defeat, his final stretch with the promotion has arguably been far more dignified than the exits of many other storied fighters. This is a sentiment that Thompson, an elite striker, understands intimately, especially after a particularly significant bout that truly represented a crossroads in his career. He faced a former champion in a fight that has become a prime example of a career-defining moment.
But here's where it gets controversial: Many fans still vividly recall UFC 167, where a significant portion of the audience believed Johny Hendricks had actually defeated Georges St-Pierre for the welterweight title, despite the split decision going the other way. Hendricks later secured the 170-pound gold in his subsequent fight against Robbie Lawler, only to lose it in their rematch. A victory over Matt Brown at UFC 185 helped ‘Bigg Rigg’ regain some momentum after his title loss. However, his bout on this day in 2016 was a clear signal of a changing of the guard in the welterweight division. Stephen Thompson, who had strung together five consecutive wins after an early setback in his UFC career, was stepping up to face the #2-ranked contender. The fight quickly became clear: once Hendricks’ initial takedown attempts were thwarted, it was evident that ‘Wonderboy’ was poised to pass this significant test with flying colors. After stunning and backing his opponent up, Thompson landed a mesmerizing spinning kick that propelled the former champion directly into the unforgiving side of the Octagon. Hendricks was subsequently stopped just moments later, with 90 seconds remaining in the first round, a truly seismic outcome.
And this is the part most people miss: Johny Hendricks' career trajectory took a sharp and unexpected nosedive following this fight. He appeared outmatched once his wrestling advantage couldn't neutralize Stephen Thompson's superior striking. However, no one could have possibly foreseen the dramatic slump ‘Bigg Rigg’ would experience after holding the welterweight title in 2014. His final UFC appearance occurred a mere three years after his victory over Robbie Lawler. Tragically, he went 1-4 in his subsequent fights, a period marred by three missed weight weigh-ins. Hendricks' last fight saw him utterly overwhelmed by Paulo Costa in what many consider one of the most lopsided mismatches of the last decade. On a more positive note, it appears the former champion has discovered a fulfilling new path away from the intense world of fighting, now serving as a police officer in Texas.
Now, let's turn to you: Which UFC legend do you believe had the most significant fall from grace in the promotion? Share your pick and your reasoning in the comments below – we'd love to hear your thoughts and see if we agree or disagree!
