Hendricks contemplated retirement after tough UFC 181 weight cut

A horrifying weight cut had former UFC Welterweight kingpin Johny Hendricks contemplating retirement.

Prior to his UFC 181 clash with Robbie Lawler, Hendricks had a tough time cutting down to the 170-pound weight limit, and looked sluggish for stretches during a grueling, razor-thin split-decision loss.

"It was either (change his approach) or retire," Hendricks told The MMA Hour, according MMAFighting.com's Dave Doyle. "That's how bad that weight cut was."

The former NCAA Division I wrestling champion is no stranger to cutting weight, but his tendency to bulk up to an astounding 218 pounds while not training for a fight is a cause for concern when considering his longevity and success in the Welterweight division.

"It sucks because the last couple fights have been where it's been questionable" Hendricks said. "And it's been half my fault. I can't do that weight cut. I can't balloon up to 218 and think that (Mike) Dolce can get me down to weight. That's where I'm taking the responsibility. I'm walking around at '95, and I'm getting my muscle mass back, I'm looking to get my body weight back... It will also be better for me when I fight, because I'll have my power back, my steam, and you feel like you're hitting hard again. That makes me happy. It will help with my wrestling or anything."

Despite his status as one of the most enormous fighters chucking knucks in his division, the Team Takedown product isn't considering a move up to Middleweight.

"I wanted to do things at welterweight, Hendricks said. "That belt is waiting for me, and I want to get that thing back, and if I do the right thing, I might the right sacrifices, good Lord willing I'll get it back."