Johny Hendricks withdraws from UFC 192 with weight-cut problems

Former UFC welterweight champion Johny Hendricks was hospitalized after experiencing problems with his weight cut, forcing the cancellation of his fight with Tyron Woodley in the co-main event of UFC 192 in Houston on Saturday.

Hendricks suffered blockage in his intestine and a kidney stone, forcing an IV to be administered, according to reports quoting his manager, Ted Ehrhardt.

“I’m sorry. I am learning and always will be learning about my weight,” top-ranked welterweight Hendricks (17-3) wrote in a statement to his supporters. “It was going great until my body started to shut down and when that happened I didn’t want to stop because of the fans, but I want to fight again and if I hurt my body too bad I won’t be able to. ... It won’t happen again, and I will get better from this.”

“I’m disappointed,” Woodley (15-3) said in a statement released by the UFC on Friday. “Johny Hendricks not making weight was a loss for him and a victory for me. He was not prepared to fight. I was, I had already made weight and was ready to fight. This is not the first time he has had trouble making weight, but it is part of being a professional.”

The UFC indicated Woodley will receive a title shot later.

Woodley’s most recent bout against Kevin Gastelum was almost scrapped when Gastelum missed weight by eight pounds.

The fight went on after negotiations among Woodley, Gastelum and UFC President Dana White, with Gastelum agreeing to surrender 30% of his $30,000 purse to Woodley, who refused the money after scoring a split-decision victory.

“I should not be penalized,” Woodley said in a pitch to fight the Jan. 2 welterweight title winner between champion Robbie Lawler and Carlos Condit. “... I am ready to fight for a title and believe that I deserve it.”

Hendricks hadn’t previously missed weight, but did need a second attempt to make the 170-pound limit at his last fight, his unsuccessful title defense against Robbie Lawler at UFC 171.

The UFC 192 card is headlined by the light-heavyweight championship fight between champion Daniel Cormier and Alexander Gustafsson.