Johny Hendricks will defend his welterweight title at UFC 181 in a rematch with Robbie Lawler, but he wants to do more than just retain the belt. Hendricks has gone on the record saying that he wants to knock Lawler out when the two meet in the octagon.
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According to media reports, Hendricks is intent on giving the fans a show, and that means doing more than just putting forth a solid technical effort.
"I want to be exciting," said Hendricks. "There's many ways to make money in the UFC. How many people are around today because they put on great fights? As soon as they step into that Octagon they're fighting. That's my reputation and that's what I want to do: finish fights and keep fans on the edge of their seats."
However, Hendricks knows that he cannot afford to be reckless in pursuing the knockout because his opponent is dangerous. The two have met once previously, although he is fully healthy now, Hendricks is always aware that he is not invincible.
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"Even if I hit him with everything I have to know that he's always dangerous," Hendricks said. "That's how I'm going into the rematch. He could knock me out. He's not the strongest person I've ever fought, but he has the ability to always keep you wary."
Hendricks prefers not to think of himself as the champion because he believes it helps him stay grounded, noting that the quickest way to take a loss is to believe that nobody can defeat you.
Hendricks also added that he thinks he and Lawler match up well and that their bout at UFC 181 should be a great candidate for another "Fight of the Night" award.
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