The UFC has announced that a welterweight bout between Matt Brown and Johny Hendricks has been added to the UFC 185 card scheduled for Dallas on March 14. The match signals a big shake up in the welterweight division, as Hendricks was widely believed to be heading towards a third fight with titleholder Robbie Lawler, but apparently Lawler has earned some time off after a very bust 2014.
Credit goes to Hendricks, who could have tried to wait for the title shot but decided to keep fighting and stay in the octagon. Though it is already established that the UFC can do whatever they want with their titles, a loss in this match to Hendricks could only jeopardize his chances of getting a rematch for the belt he briefly held. The bottom line is that former champions who go on to lose two in a row are afforded little respect at the UFC (see: Frankie Edgar) and Hendricks really needs to get back on the winning track.
Brown was scheduled to fight on Valentine’s Day against Tarec Saffiedine, but that match has been scrapped and Brown gets another month to prepare for Hendricks. Brown is coming off a loss to champion Robbie Lawler as well, but he went the full five rounds with Lawler in a match that propelled Lawler back into the title picture. With a win, Brown could make a case to supplant Hendricks as Lawler’s first challenge. For Lawler, either man is a man he has already faced and beaten.
Based on their performances against Lawler, and on their resume and fighting styles in general, Hendricks is going to come into this fight favored at the books. The fact is that Brown has done a great job elevating his stock while putting together a seven fight winning streak, but prior to that he had been on a (1-4) run and his career mark is (19-12). Though he is by no means an easy fight for Hendricks or for anybody else, it would be a surprise to see Hendricks let go of his spot as number one contender.
