Joe Hendry explains unconventional amateur wrestling roots

Joe Hendry began his amateur wrestling career after starting in professional wrestling. He felt that others were not taking him seriously and wanted to earn respect as a legitimate threat in the ring.

With a background in judo, Hendry decided to train as a grappler. He found the skill came naturally and began visiting MMA gyms about 12 years ago when the sport was not as popular in the UK.

At the MMA gyms Hendry was able to dominate opponents in grappling sessions. He soon moved to a more serious training facility in Scotland where he faced stronger competition including former UFC fighter Paul Craig.

Hendry defeated a wrestler who had been selected for the Commonwealth Games. This victory prompted him to enter the competition himself and he went on to win the British Championship in freestyle wrestling in his weight class.

Winning the British title was one of the proudest moments of Hendry's life. He called his father to share the news and became emotional during the conversation.

In 2018 Hendry represented Team Scotland at the Commonwealth Games in Australia. He was originally scheduled to face Australian UFC fighter Robert Whittaker but the bout did not occur.