Hendricks plans to return to the UFC in September and says he is indifferent about his next opponent

Hendricks (photo) underwent biceps surgery. Photo: Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC

John hendricks is already planning what will be his first defense of the UFC welterweight belt. After winning the title last month by beating Robbie Lawler In the judges' decision, the American had to undergo surgery to correct an injury to his right biceps, which should keep him out of fights for a few more months.

According to the new champion, the recovery process is going well as expected and, therefore, it is possible to aim for his return to the octagon in the second half of the year. “I will return between September and November. I know it's a long period, but I'm improving quickly, so I believe September will be easier. I don’t want to push too hard because, if I get hurt again, I’ll be out even longer”, he commented, in an interview with the North American website “MMA Junkie”.

However, Hendricks was indifferent regarding who his first challenger will be. "To me it does not matter. I don't mind. Now that I'm at the top, I know I'm going to have to face everyone, and that's what I plan to do. Whoever the UFC thinks is the challenger, I will face and move on to the next person.”

The champion suggested that, as Rory McDonald, Tyron woodley e Hector Lombard If they say they are ready to fight for the title, the athletes should then fight among themselves to decide who will deserve the opportunity. “How many people say they deserve a fight against me? I will be away for quite a while, so I would like them all to fight one more time,” he said. “Nobody works to be one of the four, one of the five guys who think they deserve it and hope to be chosen. They should fight. Instead of choosing between four, you can choose one or two. That’s what I’m looking for.”

Hendricks also took the opportunity to send good energy to the former category champion, Georges St Pierre, who suffered a new knee injury even though he was temporarily away from fighting. “It sucks when we hear that someone got hurt. It doesn't matter when, who or how it happened. It always sucks. I never wish anything bad on anyone, so when I heard he had gotten hurt, I felt bad that it had happened to him again. My prayers are going out to him and I hope he comes back”, he lamented.