On May 24th Sean Sherk will step back into the octagon to try and reclaim the gold he never lost. After being accused of steroid use he was given a 6 month suspension and stripped of the belt.
Last July Sean Sherk dominated Hermes Franca to win a 5 round unanimous decision. Around that same time BJ Penn made his return to the octagon submitting Jens Pulver in the second round.
After that win BJ was granted a title shot, however due to the ongoing appeals and hearing for the steroid case BJ never got the shot. Then Dana decided on Joe Stevenson vs BJ Penn for the interim title, but then stripped Sherk and made the bout a title fight.
Penn dominated Joe winning in the second round by rear naked choke. In the post fight interview Penn stated: "Sean Sherk your dead" which began the heated feud. Sherk fired back saying that he still had one more fight until he was champ.
The main question in this fight is can Sean take BJ Penn down. Back at UFC 63 Matt Hughes had trouble taking BJ down and would probably have lost the fight if BJ had not broke his rib. BJ has incredible flexibility which poses a problem for his opponents because you can rarely find someone to match his flexibility. And with a newfound dedication to training BJ might be able to go five rounds.
Sherk's game plan is simple: he will trade shots until BJ starts getting the better of him then Sean will attempt to take BJ down and stall for five rounds, just like he did to Florian and Franca. But Sherk hasn't fought since July so octagon rust might be a problem for him.
Over all I think it will be an interesting fight built around an amazing under card featuring Wanderlei Silva vs Keith Jardine, and the returning Tito Ortiz vs undefeated prospect Lyoto Machida.
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3 months ago
If you think Sherk's gameplan against Florian and Franca was "stalling," I'll be forced to disagree with you.
from 3 months ago
I would like to see what Sherk could do with some more BJJ in his arsenal. He trains with Greg Nelson at MMAA (a black belt under Pedro Sauer). We know Sherk has the power and speed, I would love to see some submissions and transitions from him. Of course, he might just be able to outpower BJ.
3 months ago
"Sherk gameplan is simple he will trade shots until BJ starts getting the better of hit then Sean will attempt to take BJ down and stall for five rounds, just like he did to Florian and Franca." I assume you have talked to Sean and he has told you that is his gameplan?
So is it Stalling or dominating? In the third sentence you said that Sherk dominated Franca.
If you watch the Franca fight, Sherk nullified Franca's BJJ and past to side control at will. Franca couldn't keep Sherk in a closed guard.
3 months ago
look for Bj to do a quick takedown, bank on it :)
from 3 months ago
Penn lives up to his name as a prodigy when it comes to BJJ (and learning to strike as of late), but do you really think he can take down Sherk? I'm not saying it is impossible, but I would be impressed if he did. Sherk is tough, compact and a great wrestler.
3 months ago
I don't see penn being able to take sherk down on a consistent basis, maybe not at all. I think penn needs to stand and strike as much as possible. I think he has the edge on his feet. Otherwise, Penn might find himself on his back, due to sherk's pure strength on the ground, looking to use his BJJ skills.
I think this will go 4 or 5 rounds and I like Penn to come away with a decision.
My mind likes to wander ... Penn vs. Florian/Huerta winner, then Penn vs GSP at 170 for a rematch.
3 months ago
I will give BJ the benefit of the doubt that he's improved his conditioning, but Sherk is a machine. If this goes out of the second round every minute puts the fight closer to being Sherk's.
3 months ago
Penn may have some trouble taking Sherk down, and he will need to set up his shots with precision striking. If Penn gets taken down he will be looking for a sweep, because he wants to get on top to do some damage.
I doubt Penn can sub Sherk from his back, but if he gets on top he can pass guard and finish Sherk by sub or tko. If Sherk survives the first two rounds he may win by decision or a late tko.
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