After a surprising victory over Gunnar Nelson a couple of weeks ago in Sweden, Rick Story is eyeing another fight before even considering entering the welterweight title picture.
“The welterweight division in the top ten still has some fights to pan out,” Story said on Monday’s edition of The MMA Hour. “I think I’ll have a little bit more of a clear idea after a couple of weeks goes by.”
Knowing that he still has to win a fight or two, Story remains the only active fighter on the current UFC roster that owns a win over current-champion Johny Hendricks. When asked if Hendricks has improved since their last bout at UFC 117, Story did admit that the champ has changed.
“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,” he said. “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.”
When asked if the secret to beating Hendricks was mounting pressure against him, Story said it was.
“I think so, I mean, I’ve seen other fighters and they don’t really pressure him too much,” he said. “They respect his power.”