• UFC 154

Hendricks: Everything rides on Kampmann fight

ESPN staff
November 7, 2012
Johny Hendricks talks Martin Kampmann

Johny Hendricks claims he taught Martin Kampmann everything he knows ahead of their UFC 154 co-main event in Montreal, which acts as the biggest fight in Hendricks' career.

The two welterweights go head-to-head for the right to demand a welterweight title shot on November 17, the very same night champion Georges St-Pierre defends his belt against Carlos Condit.

For Hendricks, Kampmann represents the final step of a victory path that includes long-time contenders Josh Koscheck and Jon Fitch.

His rival in Canada is a man who once trained at the same gym, who developed his wrestling skills with the help of Hendricks. And Hendricks intends to make it another case of master and pupil when they fight in 11 days' time.

"Everything counts on this, my whole focus is on this fight," the American said.

"I taught Martin Kampmann how to wrestle, I taught him how to defend shots. To finally get to fight him, I'm so excited.

"Nothing else matters other than that day. I'm going to hurt people. If I do see the opportunity, I will go in for the kill. I don't want to be a predictable fighter.

"I never used to have much confidence in myself. Now I believe I deserve to be where I'm at. I deserve to be in the UFC and I deserve to be heading for a title.

"I get one more chance to say, 'Yes, I am that No. 1 contender, I do deserve a title shot'."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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