There was no way Johny Hendricks was going to quit in his welterweight title fight at UFC 171 against Robbie Lawler.

Not even with a torn muscle.

"Bigg Rigg" defeated "Ruthless" at UFC 171 to capture the 170-pound championship, shredding his bicep in the process. It wasn't going to stop him from moving forward and earning his belt, especially after the crushing blow he was dealt at UFC 167 last November.

Hendricks will undergo surgery next week, but he can already envision his Octagon return:

"It was painful. But realistically, I just had the wrestler instinct. It's the difference between being hurt and injured. I knew I was injured but told myself I was hurt until after the fight. I hope to be on the same timeline. I should be back and ready to go in normal time, October or November would be perfect. I don't want to rush it, but want to give people a shot at the belt."

With the champion on the shelf, this creates the opportunity for multiple welterweights who are "in the mix" to challenge Hendricks for his title. Two contenders who emerged victorious in Dallas were Tyron Woodley and Hector Lombard, though many believe neither of them did enough to warrant the spot.

There's also Rory MacDonald, who was promoted heavily by Joe Rogan before the event went off the air, but his inclusion may be for all the wrong reasons.

It remains to be seen when "Bigg Rigg" can actually return, and an interim title won't be necessary in this particular situation.

However, title eliminator fights surely will be.