Johny Hendricks vs. Tyron Woodley: Career Stats, Highlights for Both Fighters

The welterweight title picture is about to get some clarification when Johny Hendricks and Tyron Woodley square off in the co-main event at UFC 192. 

Hendricks—the former champion—would have liked to just get the shot at regaining what was once his after his UFC 185 win over Matt Brown. However, a matchup against Woodley is a fine consolation prize in terms of relevance. 

The former Strikeforce title challenger is currently ranked No. 3 in the division with four wins in his last five fights. A win for him and it's likely he'll get the next crack at the title. Yet another win for Hendricks and he'll have an undeniable case to get another shot at the strap. 

Here's a look at how the two combatants stack up statistically. 

Fight Breakdown

When these two fighters compete there's only one rule: Don't blink. 

Both Hendricks and Woodley have displayed incredible power. Bigg Rigg can claim a knockout in 47 percent of his victories. Woodley has finished 40 percent of his opponents by knockout. As Reed Kuhn of Fightnomics illustrates, T-Wood boasts one of the highest knockdown rates in the division:

The similarities don't stop there, though. Both fighters have collegiate wrestling backgrounds at Big 12 schools (at the time). Hendricks made his name at Oklahoma State, while Woodley was a Missouri Tiger.

Hendricks is much more likely to use his wrestling offensively. He averages around four takedowns per 15 minutes, while Woodley averages closer to one. However, Woodley has utilized his background to make sure he stays off his back, as evidenced by his nearly 92 percent takedown defense rate.  

The primary difference between the two comes down to volume. Hendricks simply sets a higher pace than his opponent Saturday. 

Whether standing, in the clinch or on the ground, Hendricks has the ultimate blue-collar approach to fighting. He's in the cage to get work done, and he's constantly doing something to apply pressure to his opponent. 

Conversely, Woodley is a little more explosive, but he doesn't put the same pressure on his opponents. He averages one less strike per minute and has appeared to gas in fights before if he doesn't pace his output over the course of three rounds. 

With both fighters boasting strong wrestling backgrounds, the fighter who can own the stand-up game has a huge advantage. 

 

Prediction

In a matchup between two high-level wrestlers, it often comes down to the stand-up game. As noted by the UFC, Hendricks has alluded to an interest in reminding fans that he can end fights with his hands:

Woodley has power, sure. But so does Hendricks. The difference—as noted previously—is in volume, and that will tell the story Saturday night. 

As long as Hendricks is able to avoid getting caught on the way in, this should be his fight for the taking. The explosive Woodley is certainly capable of catching his opponent, but over the course of a three-round fight, it's Hendricks who is more likely to win the battle of attrition. 

Expect the former champion to simply outwork Woodley in the stand-up, clinch and ground game en route to a thorough and impressive unanimous decision. 

Prediction: Hendricks by decision.

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