PFL 1 2022: Cory Hendricks Had A Chip On His Shoulder Coming Into New Season

Arlington, TX — After a very disappointing end to his rookie PFL season, Cory Hendricks had a chip on his shoulder.

Hendricks (9-4) picked up a big win to kick off his 2022 PFL season by defeating 2019 light heavyweight champion Emiliano Sordi. The 33-year-old finished Sordi in the second round to pick up five points.

The win was even more special for Hendricks, as it was Sordi who edged him out of the 2021 season, making him sit out of the playoffs for his rookie year. Because of that, Hendricks had that chip on his shoulder, and something to prove.

“I mean, yeah, a little bit,” Hendricks told Cageside Press during his post-fight interview. “I wasn’t too happy with the way things played out last season. But I mean, it is what it is; I was given an opportunity to come in, like, as a replacement. I think I had like, five or six weeks ahead of time, but I didn’t get two fights in the season. And then I was actually tied with Sordi for points going into the playoffs.”

“And, you know, to be honest, I feel like I should have been the one to go in because it took him two fights to get four points,” he added. “I got four points in one fight, and I got to the finish. He got no finishes. But the criteria was already set up for that, that it’s whoever has the most fights goes in. I just think that’s a dumb criteria. So that kind of annoyed me, but it is what it is. You know, I was given the opportunity. I did the most I could with it. And, yeah, I can’t really do much about that.”

Hendricks is currently in third place in the PFL light heavyweight standings, and is looking to make a statement this season.

Watch the rest of Cory Hendricks’ PFL 1 post-fight interview. More coverage from the event can be found below.