Durability: Sonnen finished 6× on record
Read matchup Real analysis. Smarter reads. A deeper understanding of the card.
The stored numbers are close enough that this is a fight about execution and adjustments rather than one obvious mismatch.
Two grapplers by the numbers (4.2 and 3.8 takedowns per 15). Whoever wins the first clinch battle sets the terms for the rest.
Supporting evidenceExperience: 13 vs 0 five-round fights
| Attribute | St-Pierre | Hendricks |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 32 | 30 |
| Height | 5′11″ | 5′9″ |
| Reach | 76″ | 69″ |
| Stance | Orthodox | Southpaw |
| Rank | Unranked | Unranked |
Highlighted rows mark a meaningful factual difference, not an advantage. Unpublished values stay unpublished.
St-Pierre has 13 archived five-round fights to Hendricks’ 0; championship rounds are familiar territory for one side.
Favors St-PierreSt-Pierre holds a 7-inch reach edge (76" to 69"); Hendricks has to cross distance to land, and opposite stances open the lead-side lane.
Favors St-PierreSt-Pierre averages 4.2 takedowns per 15 minutes; Hendricks has stopped 63% of attempts on record.
Favors HendricksHendricks has 2 first-round finishes in the last 5 archived results — the opening minutes carry real finishing risk.
Rounds two and three turn on whether St-Pierre keeps landing takedowns at 4.2 per 15 minutes; if Hendricks stays upright, the striking rates (3.8 vs 3.5 landed per minute) take over.
Scheduled for five rounds: 25 minutes changes the pace math, and a fighter who banks two early rounds can afford to manage the fourth.
