WHO IS THE MOST ATHLETIC MMA FIGHTER I HAVE EVER TRAINED WITH?

Hey, what's up, guys? Today we're diving into a topic that gets asked a lot: who is the most athletic MMA fighter I've ever trained with? It's a question that comes up often, and while I've worked with numerous world-class boxers, kickboxers, and various martial artists from around the globe, one name stands out above the rest—Johny Hendricks.

Johny Hendricks, often recognized for his achievements inside the UFC octagon, was an athlete who possessed an unparalleled level of athleticism. In today's blog post, we're going through why Johny Hendricks is at the top of my list and what made his athleticism so special. I've trained with many high-level fighters, but Johny Hendricks had a unique mix of speed, power, and technique which made him an exceptional competitor.

Athletic Background

Extensive Travel and Training Experience

Having trained in Thailand and Holland, I really got immersed in different combat sports environments, encountering various styles and techniques. Yet, when it comes to mixed martial arts, Johny Hendricks was a step above due to his physical prowess and fighting style.

Training With Johny Hendricks

While I wasn't on Team Takedown—the team Johny was associated with—they were in the same city as me. My training camps often took me out of state, but whenever I was home in Texas, I had the opportunity to train alongside Johny. This camaraderie offered me firsthand experience of his impressive abilities.

Johny's Athleticism

Johny Hendricks was a freak athlete, and I think people often underestimated how athletic he truly was. The GSP fight showcased Johny's athletic ability, and it was no surprise that he put up such a competitive performance against Georges St-Pierre, often regarded as one of the best MMA fighters.

“If you go back and look at the GSP fight, I guess that kind of shows how athletic he really was.”

The Essence of Fast-Twitch Muscles

Sprung Action

Training with Johny Hendricks was akin to training with someone who had springs in their feet. His ability to explode and cover ground quickly was facilitated by his fast-twitch muscle fibers. Those fibers are something many fighters wish they had. A prime example is the fight against John Fitch, where Johny used an overhand left to devastating effect.

Shooting and Wrestling Influence

Hendricks' development of fast-twitch muscles can be largely attributed to his wrestling background, being a two-time D1 national champion. The countless repetitions in wrestling really honed those muscles, allowing him to deploy explosive movements that you rarely see in the octagon.

Comparisons to Other Fighters

Johny's ability to launch attacks from a distance is reminiscent of MVP, Horaguchi, or Wonderboy, who often use karate-based techniques. Despite Johny's shorter stature, his fast-twitch muscles allowed him to execute long-reach attacks effectively, catching opponents off guard.

Sparring Stories: Johny's Prime

Training with Johny in his prime was a unique experience. He had abilities that made him so difficult to engage with. His speed and reactive capabilities kept many top fighters, like John Fitch, at bay, preventing them from engaging fully due to the constant threat of counter-attacks.

Insights into Johny's Career

Perspective on His Career Decline

Some have speculated about Johny's career decline, including notions like USADA's impact on his performance or alleged steroid use. Personally, I don't buy into these arguments. The unraveling of Team Takedown, coupled with potential burnout, seemed more significant. Being immersed in martial arts since such a young age, it's understandable how fatigue could set in.

“I think that he's kind of was burned out from doing martial arts and wrestling and then MMA for so long, he just didn't want to do it anymore.”

Training Regimens

Towards the end of his career, Johny's training intensity noticeably decreased. A shift in focus occurred; his training sessions went from being rigorous to more relaxed routines. Often, he'd show up, spar for a few rounds via sheer natural ability without going through extensive warm-up sessions.

Lack of Intense Conditioning

Instead of rigorous MMA conditioning, Johny gravitated towards other pursuits like tennis. This change showed how he was sort of stepping away, and his decision against weight cutting underscored the burnout.

Conclusion: Reflecting on Johny's Athletic Legacy

Johny Hendricks was undoubtedly one of the most athletic and well-rounded fighters I've trained with in MMA, and reflecting on his career, there's no disputing his exceptional contribution to the sport. I hope this answers your curiosity about Johny and gives you a deeper insight into why his athleticism left such a lasting impression on those who witnessed it firsthand.