Johny Hendricks striking Mike Pierce (photo via UFC.com)

By FCF Staff

Johny Hendricks may have laid claim to the UFC’s welterweight title last month by defeating Robbie Lawler, but it could be a while before he defends his new belt.

Hendricks, who scored a unanimous decision win over Lawler on March 15th to secure the vacant title, recently underwent surgery to repair a torn bicep. Recently, the powerful wrestler relayed the following to MMA Junkie.com, about a possible timeline for his return:

“I want to push myself to the limit, but I want to keep it within the doctor’s range,” said Hendricks. “I’m saying I’ll return anywhere from September to November. I know that’s a huge spread, but if I’m healing up quickly, which I believe I’m going to, then September is easy. Then again, I don’t want to push it too quick because if I re-injure it, I’ll be out even longer.”

Hendricks also noted in the interview that he was disappointed to hear that Georges St. Pierre has torn his ACL and will require surgery. The 30 year-old, who lost by split decision to GSP in November, said his “thoughts and prayers” go out to the former champ.