Takedowns the key to find UFC 167 winner between GSP and Hendricks
Published:Georges St-Pierre already tops the stats sheets for the most takedowns registered and the most strikes landed in the history of the UFC and both of these attributes are sure to be put to the test when defending his welterweight title at UFC 167 against Johny Hendricks.
St-Pierre is the 10/23 favourite to make a ninth consecutive successful title defence and a victory would also make him the sole owner of a record 19 career UFC victories.
Key to his current 18-2 record has been GSP’s mix of striking and wrestling abilities, completing 84 takedowns across his 20 fights and landing the best part of 2,400 strikes.
However, he arguably faces his biggest career challenge in Hendricks, who is also adept in both of these areas.
GSP has out-wrestled big punchers in the past and out-boxed those from either wrestling or Brazilian ju-jitsu backgrounds, but Hendricks presents a rare combination of one-punch power, alongside impressive wrestling credentials.
Therefore, the champion will have to be more alert than ever, with Hendricks able to throw punches from all angles and heights, alongside stepping in with a takedown if GSP overstretches in search of landing damaging jabs.
Looking at Hendricks’ stats, it is interesting that he may not have executed the sheer number of takedowns as GSP, but his do arrive more frequently.
Unlike the majority of UFC fights, it is not entirely obvious whether this will be a fight where a stand-up striking battle will take centre stage or whether there will be a high number of takedown attempts.
Hendricks is 7/4 to be just the third man to ever beat GSP and his credentials certainly give him a better chance than the majority of losing challengers to have gone before him.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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