For Johny Hendricks, fighting Georges St-Pierre to claim the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) welterweight title wasn't his top priority.
In his view, he didn't care who had the strap, he just wanted to compete in a championship bout.
Like "Bigg Rigg," top welterweight contender Demian Maia is also eager to test himself against St-Pierre if "Rush" makes a mixed martial arts (MMA) comeback. But if he has to choose between "GSP" or a title shot, the Brazilian will settle for the latter.
He elaborates to Bloody Elbow:
"GSP is the most dominant champion this weight class ever had, a great fighter and a great ambassador of our sport. It would be a challenge and an honor to compete against him. He is well-rounded and a great athlete. It's a very tough fight. I'm confident, as any fighter should be, against anyone I fight. I'm sure [St-Pierre] feels the same. I would prefer fighting for the title. Because my dream is and was always to be the UFC champion."
As far as his deserving of a championship bout, the submission expert didn't cut any corners breaking down his accolades and recent accomplishments in making his case:
"All fights I won at welterweight weren't questionable and I think I won all rounds of the bouts, besides the last round of the [Ryan] LaFlare fight. My two losses came to two fighters with crazy resumes. Rory [MacDonald], which was Fight of the Night at UFC 170, and Jake Shields - who holds wins against pretty much all top guys at welterweight - in a split decision, that I know I could have done better, but frankly I didn't think I lost that fight. Now I won four fights in a row, and I'm 7-2 as a welterweight. I think a title shot could be justifiable. If not possible, then I would like a fight that helps me get there. I don't have anything against any fighter in the weight class, it's a very tough weight class, and my only goal is to fight for the belt."
Demian's latest victory came at the expense of Gunnar Nelson, as the jiu-jitsu wizard walked away from the MGM Grand Garden Arena at UFC 194 with a unanimous decision win (recap). Whether or not it was good enough to warrant a title shot, remains to be seen.
After all, there are plenty of other contenders -- like Tyron Woodley -- lined up ready to take aim at division champion Robbie Lawler.
Speaking of Woodley, he has his own plans regarding St-Pierre.