Rick Story: Pressuring Johny Hendricks is the key to dethroning the UFC champion

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) welterweight titleholder, Johny Hendricks, only has two losses on his mixed martial arts (MMA) record.

One of those defeats came at the hands of former 170-pound kingpin Georges St-Pierre back at UFC 167, while the other man who can lay claim to beating "Bigg Rigg" is the No. 12-ranked welterweight in the world, Rick Story.

"Horror" handed Hendricks his first loss back in 2010, beating him via unanimous decision at The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 12 Finale. And for what it's worth, if you really dissect the losses, Story actually beat Hendricks more convincingly than the the former champ did.

So, what's the secret to defeating Johny?

According to Story's comments on The MMA Hour, you have to keep the pressure on the wrestling powerhouse and you can't respect his punching power too much, all while being weary of it.

He explains (via MMA Fighting):

"He's just a little bit more aggressive, he's more confident with his punches, and that's something you've got to be aware of. It's definitely dangerous, especially getting hit by him. But, I've said it once, I was the only fighter to keep Johny backing up. And I really think that that's the way you beat him. I think so, I mean, I've seen other fighters and they don't really pressure him too much. They respect his power."

Story finally made his way onto the official UFC rankings (see the list) by upsetting highly-touted submission specialist Gunnar Nelson at UFC Fight Night 53 a few weeks ago (highlights).

And while Rick isn't saying he's in the title hunt, he is very aware that if he can put together a few more impressive wins and continue to climb the ladder, he may be vying for a championship down the line.

There's no guarantee that it will be against Hendricks, though, as "Bigg Rigg" is set to take on Robbie Lawler at UFC 181 on Dec. 6, 2014 in a fight that will mark his first title defense since besting "Ruthless" at UFC 171 earlier this year.

And if Lawler heeds the free advice Story is dishing out, he may walk out of Mandalay Bay with a shiny new belt.