TULSA — Johny Hendricks is proud to be from Oklahoma. The former Oklahoma State wrestler has family in the state and is glad he was brought up the way he was.
But he knows that if he's ever going to make a name for himself on the fight circuit, tonight's bout in Tulsa must be one of his last fights in Oklahoma.
"The competition is out in Las Vegas,” Hendricks said. "You have to go where the best fights are.”
Hendricks is not the only former OSU wrestler to feel this way.
Jake Rosholt has joined Hendricks in Las Vegas while Shane Roller is in the process of moving from Dallas to Las Vegas.
Before the trio attempts to leave the state where they made their mark, they have business to take care of. All three will participate in tonight's Xtreme Fighting League Mixed Martial Arts event at the Tulsa Expo Square Pavilion.
Hendricks and Rosholt are in separate main events while Roller is a part of three USA vs. Japan bouts.
All three are members of Team Takedown, an up-and-coming fighter management group.
At OSU, they knew something about their opponents from previous meetings or at least, videotape. Entering tonight's bouts, they said they don't know much about their opponent.
"I'll be honest, all I know is his name,” Roller said. "We tried to find tape of the guy, but we don't think any exist.”
Rosholt said he likes it that way. "I don't want to know much about him,” he said. "I have to take care of myself and work on my own things.”
Lack of knowledge is just one of the many challenges the three face as they continue to make the transition from amateur wrestling to MMA.
A transition that Hendricks said he is enjoying more than he ever thought possible. As a senior last year with the Cowboys, Hendricks said he was burnt out and frustrated.
"I just didn't understand why so many people didn't like or respect me,” Hendricks said. "I did whatever it took to win and always tried to do it the right way.”
Hendricks' persona made him out to be the guy fans love to hate. He said the line was crossed when fans would insult his character and his family.
Less than a year into his fighting career, the same thing that made Hendricks public enemy No. 1 in wrestling is what is making him endear to fight fans — his passion.
"People are respecting my abilities here,” Hendricks said. "My outgoing personality is looked at as a positive here. It's a nice change.”
The three have a combined record of 7-1 in MMA events.
