UFC 141 Results: Johny Hendricks' KO Win Will Spring Welterweight Title Shot

Johny Hendricks' stunning first-round knockout of Jon Fitch at UFC 141 Friday night will thrust the 28-year-old into the challenger spot for the welterweight championship.

Hendricks (12-1) caught Fitch (23-4-1) just 12 seconds into the fight with a sweet left that sent Fitch to the mat immediately. 

The result is without question the best of Hendricks' young MMA career which features just one loss, suffered back in December 2010 to Rick Story. The loss to Story came via unanimous decision. 

But if you're looking for proof as to why Hendricks is more than worthy for a title shot, consider that before Friday night Fitch had not been knocked out since 2002, in what was just his fourth career MMA fight at the time.

Even current UFC welterweight champ Georges St-Pierre couldn't take out Fitch when the two met for all the marbles in August 2008.

Hendricks has legitimate knockout potential, as evidenced by this gem of a left hook from UFC 141 in Las Vegas. 

Hendricks can win fights in a variety of ways as well, proving versatile over his 13-fight career. Hendricks, who's nickname is "Big Rig," has four wins via decision, so his chin and ability to go the distance with anyone is not an issue.

What's next for Hendricks, winner of three straight UFC fights (two of them first-round knockouts)?

Bring on St-Pierre. The two would make for an interesting matchup to say the least.

GSP's defend and survive style would be tested by Hendricks' own ability to wrestle and take opponents down to the mat. 

Hendricks is a former wrestler at Oklahoma State University, where he was a four-time All-American and a two-time national champion.

The versatile Big Rig is also a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which demonstrates his incredible development in the sport and the fact that his game features very few weaknesses.

St-Pierre's last four fights have ended with a decision, and a matchup with Hendricks would at least guarantee fans a decent fight.

It will absolutely last longer than 12 seconds considering that GSP has not had a fight end in the first round since his last loss, a TKO defeat to Matt Serra in April 2007. 

But regardless of when or where Hendricks gets his title shot, American fans of UFC should and will know his name.

His quick growth in the sport and exciting style, which was put on display at UFC 141 Friday night, has him in line to challenge the long-reigning champ for welterweight supremacy.