UFC welterweight contender Johny Hendricks

By FCF Staff

Johny Hendricks managed to secure the UFC Welterweight Championship at UFC 171 on Saturday, but the powerful fighter says he defeated Robbie Lawler without being 100%.

During the memorable battle, Lawler was able to defend several of Hendricks’ takedown attempts, and the decorated wrestler says a pre-fight elbow injury was one of the reasons. While speaking on “The MMA Hour” Monday, Hendricks revealed that he hurt his elbow a “week-and-a-half” before UFC 171, and that he aggravated the injury during the main event’s opening round.

“Throwing a hook,” Hendricks said, while discussing when he re-injured his elbow. “And whenever I threw a hook it just spazzed out. I don’t know what happened. I felt my arm actually pop. We’ll see what happens.”

Hendricks added that he considered dropping out of the bout, but that because the championship was on the line, he decided to move ahead.

The newly crowned champ is expected to have his elbow further examined Monday.