St-Pierre vs. Hendricks: The Controversy That Echoes in UFC History
A Clash of Titans Marked by Controversy
In the annals of UFC history, few fights have stirred as much debate as the title bout between Georges St-Pierre and Johny Hendricks on November 16, 2013. This fight, part of the UFC 167 event that celebrated the company’s 20th anniversary, still resonates today due to its controversial outcome and the ripple effects on the fighters’ careers.
The Pre-Fight Excellence
Georges St-Pierre, known universally as GSP, entered the fight on an eleven-fight winning streak, a testament to his dominance in the octagon. His opponent, Johny Hendricks, was not without his own formidable record, coming off a six-win streak, and posed a significant threat with his powerful striking ability. The stage was set for a monumental showdown, with GSP slightly favoured by the odds, but Hendricks’s raw power made him a formidable contender.
The Decision That Divided Opinion
The fight itself was a closely contested affair, with Hendricks seeming to take control in key rounds. Despite being knocked down, Hendricks’s resilience and aggression appeared to have given him the upper hand, with many, including UFC president Dana White, voicing their belief post-fight that Hendricks should have been declared the winner. “Most fans and Dana White all agree Hendricks won,” encapsulates the general sentiment that Hendricks was more dominant and deserved to walk away with the championship belt.
This sentiment was reflected broadly across media outlets and among fans, creating a storm of controversy when GSP was announced the winner by split decision. This decision has been dissected and debated, with the general consensus being that while the fight was close, Hendricks had done enough to secure victory.
The Aftermath and Legacy
The controversy did not end with the fight. In an unexpected twist, St-Pierre announced he would be stepping away from MMA, later vacating the UFC Welterweight Championship. This left the UFC to arrange a new match for the vacant title, leading to Hendricks facing Robbie Lawler, whom he defeated to finally claim the championship.
The fight and its aftermath left a lasting impact on both fighters’ careers and the UFC’s handling of championship bouts. GSP’s temporary departure and the questions around the UFC’s influence on drug testing protocols, as hinted by St-Pierre in later interviews, added layers of intrigue and scepticism about the integrity of the sport. St-Pierre hinted at reluctance within the organization to enforce drug testing, suggesting it was discouraged to avoid setting a precedent. “I was telling Johny Hendricks that ‘Okay, let’s make drug testing for that fight’ and he agreed in the beginning but after, he said no… They didn’t want that to start so they told Johny Hendricks to not do it,” St-Pierre revealed, shedding light on the complexities and challenges within professional sports regarding fairness and athlete welfare.
Both fighters would eventually retire, with St-Pierre returning only briefly to claim the UFC Middleweight Championship in 2017. The legacy of their 2013 encounter, however, continues to provoke discussion about the criteria for judging fights, the pressures athletes face, and the role of governing bodies in ensuring the integrity of sport.
This bout remains a seminal moment in UFC history, emblematic of the sport’s unpredictable nature and the controversies that can arise from the human element in sports adjudication. It serves as a reminder of the fine margins that often decide the fate of athletes and the lasting consequences of those decisions.