Beardless Johny Hendricks ready to move on from Stephen Thompson loss — VIDEO

Johny Hendricks has redefined himself since being knocked out by Stephen Thompson at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in February.

Hendricks (17-4) ditched his trademark beard and changed his training method for his Saturday fight against Kelvin Gastelum (12-2) during the prelims of UFC 200 at T-Mobile Arena.

The former welterweight champion said he learned to adapt after the first-round TKO loss to Thompson. Hendricks had trouble against Thompson’s long range and was caught with counter right hands to end the bout 3:31 seconds into the first round.

“I wasn’t prepared for somebody to back away the way that he did,” Hendricks said. “I wasn’t prepared for him to throw punches and move out of range that much. I will be prepared for that against Kelvin.”

Hendricks, who goes by “Bigg Rigg,” has been in the octagon against Georges St. Pierre and Robbie Lawler, and he’s putting Gastelum — the No. 12 ranked contender — in the same category as the aforementioned welterweight greats.

“Kelvin is right there because he’s a southpaw and I’m not going to overlook guys anymore,” Hendricks said. “That’s what I used to do. If he’s No. 12 who cares, it’s only a 15-minute fight. He’s ranked No. 1 right now.”

The 32-year-old Hendricks isn’t allowing himself to look past Gastelum. He’s not even giving a prediction for the Lawler-Tyron Woodley title match later this month at UFC 201.

“I don’t even care,” Hendricks said. “Ask me on July 9, right now my main focus is definitely Kelvin and nothing else,” Hendricks said.

It’s a new and clean-shaven Bigg Rigg. Come Saturday, we’ll see if it’s an improved Hendricks.

Contact Gilbert Manzano at gmanzano@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0492. Follow him on Twitter: @gmanzano24