So now that BJ Penn's bathroom scale is on its way up to 170, if it turns out to be half as overblown as his last move upward and the road to his first fight with Georges St. Pierre was, please, Dana White, spare me the chance to waste money on it.
Show me some mercy by sending Penn to Russia to compete in Combat Sambo, or offer me a pay-per-view three-hour instructional video of Shawn Salmon demonstrating the rear naked choke.
Or a video of George Foreman's next colonoscopy, anything but Penn gaining weight to take on bigger fighters.
To tell you the truth, saying this columnist isn't too fond of young Penn is like saying Eminem doesn't wait with breathless anticipation every year for mothers day.
Winning the lightweight title was supposed to make me forget about the eye gouging and throwing punches with fingers open in an attempt to draw blood from an unsuspecting opponent? Never.
I'll never forget Penn uttering death threats to Sean Sherk in front of millions of his so-called fans, it only convinced me further that he is a post-fight punk.
The natural inclination is to root for Penn in these situations. Why? Because he gains and loses more weight than Oprah Winfrey moving around between weight divisions, and that's really incredibly admirable. (/SARCASM)
And all this is meant to impress us, right? It's the kind of thing that creates a legendary warrior, right?
Wrong. You see, the problem I have is that Penn has done so much to turn me off between the time he first gained notice as a rising star, and the time he decided he would like another fight with GSP, that it's impossible for me to want to see the boy on top.
The first time, In 2004 at UFC 46 Penn jumped up in weight classes to challenge the five-time defending welterweight champion Matt Hughes to fill a title contention slot in a division where Hughes had already defeated all the available opposition.
Heavily favored to win, Hughes lost the fight four minutes into the first round by giving up his back with only 23 seconds left in the round.
Penn defeated Matt Hughes then went on to dishonor his contract by moving up to 205, training at the local McDonald's, and fighting Machida at K-1 HERO's.
You see the more success Penn has, the bigger the forum for his childish actions.
GSP is undoubtedly gonna give Penn a rude awakening, and, if he does, you won't be able to wipe the smile from my mug with a jackhammer or a stick of dynamite.
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about 1 month ago
I never know what to think about Penn, but I respect him a little bit because he actively looks for tough fights. He looks best at 155, a total package with striking and jiu-jitsu. He looks slow at welterweight, and plain stupid at 205. but like you said, it's admirable to see him jump weights and still hold his own.
I'd like to see this fight again only because I want to see Georges St. Pierre beat Penn. GSP has got to be Penn's doppleganger: focused, intelligent, destructive, but sometimes not confident enough in his abilities. GSP's got the self-esteem, so I bet he decimates Penn. I hope so at least.
from about 1 month ago
Stupid at 205? Do you mean in appearance of fighting skill. He held his own against Machida and beat Gracie. Thats not stupid thats talented. As for the chubby version of Penn, he does look silly but effective just the same.
about 1 month ago
I have to say we dont disagree often, but I am sure to have that happen with many folks here the closer this fight gets. Remember the schoolyard, kids always said stuff like, dude your dead meat. Penn was relaying that type of trash talk, I think to refer to that comment as a death threat is taking the situation and the comment out of context. It is fun to write about though. As for the fight, hell yeah its necessary. Their last fight was a war and a split decision. They have both heavily improved, it will be a great fight no matter the outcome. As for BJ moving up and down it weight, I think it is admirable. Many fighters do it, Anderson Silva is about to do it. Not every fighter can do it and be as effective as those two at it. YOu fight, you understand that. BJ has been effective at every weight from 150 to 205. That is an accomplishment, not a detriment. Take care Stoker, just wanted to disagree with you for the first time. Later bro, have a great weekend.
about 1 month ago
I think its important to separate Penn's ridiculous antics that you mentioned above from the need for the UFC to put on this fight.
Despite how you may feel about Penn, this fight is one of the best in mixed martial arts history. It pits two of the worlds top four fighters against one another. Furthermore, they are two of the biggest stars in the industry and some of the most talented.
This fight truly needs to happen, b/c its one of the biggest the sport can make.
from about 1 month ago
true..but i failed to see the controversy in the first fight..Gsp took Penn down at will and won the fight,..GSP suffered a gouged eye socket and his face was a mess..so many people concluded from that that georges had lost.
In that sense i suppose it is necessary for clarity...I just hate when bj decides who he will fight ,when and where..dana treats him like a spoiled child./stoker/
yur friend stoker
about 1 month ago
This fight absolutely needs to happen and I can't wait. Penn has said and done things that weren't very smart, but I'm willing to blame that on youth. Since becoming more focused and taking himself and the sport more seriously, he's been on a rampage and should give GSP a great fight. I still see GSP winning the fight but it will be a war.
from about 1 month ago
He IS older than Georges, however.
about 1 month ago
I also agree that this fight should happen.. This probably will be the most exciting fight ever.. Just think of Penn as the Villain which will make more excitement to the fight.. Just compare it to the couture vs. Liddell fight which for me has less appeal simply because everybody is rooting for both fighters.. That being said, Penn vs. GSP will give the best thrill ever...
about 1 month ago
THIS FIGHT SHOULD HAPPEN. BJ deserves the chance to prove he is the best in the world from 170lbs and below which he will do. GSP looked as if he went through a car windshield after the first fight. Look for him to take GSP out within the first three rounds!!!!!!!
from about 1 month ago
Hey Mikey, you got the winner wrong, but it should be a great fight.
from about 1 month ago
ur nuts. how do u expect penn to beat gsp. if i remember correctly (and i am) gsp wasn't ever close to be finished. yeah gsp had some blood on his face but that doesn't mean you won. bj's face is made out of clay so it doesn't bleed. but i know for sure that penn CANNOT beat gsp!!!
about 1 month ago
I just don't see Penn even going the distance with GSP, let alone defeat him.
It will be a great fight while it lasts. But GSP is seriously dangerous with his overall athletic ability combined with his focus. ability to stay focused for five-rounds (or less in this case).
from about 1 month ago
I pick GSP to get the decision win. But if Fitch can 5 rounds with GSP, so can BJ Penn. He looks focused, determined, like a man on a mission. And that will be enough to go toe to toe for 5 rounds; but not win it!
about 1 month ago
BJ and Fitch are two different people, and different match-ups produce independent problems, but I can see a GSP decision...
about 1 month ago
GSP THE ONLY RULER OF THE OCTAGON
about 1 month ago
Anyone who doesn't think this match-up is necessary isn't a true MMA fan. Period. This fight needs to happen, and it needs to happen right now. We didn't get to see Chuck vs. Wanderlei back in 2003/2004 when it would have really been special. Same goes for Roy Jones vs. Joe Calzaghe in the late 90's. Like Dana said, BJ and GSP are in their primes, and the fight needs to happen right now. Anyone who disagrees with that is outta their mind.
from about 1 month ago
I tend to agree with you my friend. It seems we the BJ supporters are a rare breed in this matchup. Gonna have to stick together bro. Later.
about 1 month ago
very true ,,i need to separate my emotions from the actual fight itself...but like i said,bj breaks all the cardinal rules of fighting behavior and im supposed to say ok ..this time he wont try to foul,or hurt gsp in any way that isnt in the rule book..lol..its just not true..he is a dirty ,unsportsman like punk..and i respect him for the jits skills being tops in the world and his boxing being described by freddie roach as top notch,..but otherwise in my opinion..he needs his ass kicked..and i believe that gsp will do it again ..only this timeit will be carved in stone.yur friend /stoker
about 1 month ago
i agree stoker, BJ is pherhaps the most egotistical fighter of all time. he thinks because he wins the lightweight title and defends it once against Sherk who was probobal suffering from ringrust as he hadnt fought in a year he can go up and challange GSP.
IN my opinion alves would beat bj and he is more deserving of a shot.
CANT WAIT TO SEE GSP STEAMROLL BJ
about 1 month ago
VERY TRUE...SHERK IS CONSTANTLY IMPROVING AND LOOKED VERY IMPRESSIVE IN HIS LAST FIGHT..WHICH IS AN INSTANT CLASSIC(TYSON GRIFFEN) IN MY OPINION..THANKS STOKER
from about 1 month ago
Maybe Sherk got ahold of a new HGH or something...That is a man I do not respect right there. He can have all the skills in the world, but the Pharmacy is where he got them, because they all depend on his strength.
about 1 month ago
Well, Flyin' Hawaiian,
It just so happens I AM out of my mind.
Nevertheless, I, too, think that Penn vs. GSP needs to happen now, right now. And your point about Wanderlei vs. Liddell is right on the money.
That fight should have happened five or six-years ago. And it would have if Pride hosted it rather than Dana "Let's Stall and Wait for the sales max-out" White and his UFC. When Pride inked fighters, that was it. They fought, period. Dream is following in their footsteps.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks, you da man Joseph.
about 1 month ago
With all due respect sir..lol....i'm not a fan of pride org..but that doesn't translate into me hating pride fighters..its just that pride was the minor leagues..UFC is the big leagues!! ..i love Wandy,Anderson,Rampage,.THEY all had stints in pride..not a fan of Hendo,or matt lindland,i dont hate Fedor but i feel he is greatly overrated..and until he beats Arlovski and about three others ..i wont shut -up.LOL (Now watch the pride boys come after me)..starting with Anthony Ascue and his posse of fake members..lol..JKING ANTS..WE GO WAY BACK AND ITS TIME TO CALL A TRUCE../GOTTA WORK MY PROGRAM HERE ..EH JOSEPH??
LOL..STOKER
about 1 month ago
****TO CLARIFY MY ARTICLES TITLE..I DON"T FEEL ITS NECESSARY FOR GSP TO FIGHT PENN AGAIN.WE HARD CORE MMA FANS HAVE ALREADY WATCHED THE SOAP OPERA OF PENN RISING TO BEAT MATT HUGHES AND LEAVE AND NOT DEFEND IT **NOW SAME THING....HE WON THE LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE AND LEFT AND ISNT DEFENDING IT..GSP HAS A RESUME OF WINS THAT WOULD MAKE ANYONE ENVIOUS..*HE HAS WINS OVER..bj penn,karo parysian(sp),josh kos,Matt Hughes,Matt Serra,Jon Fitch,Jason Miller,Frank Trigg,Jay Heiron,Pete Spratt,and Ivan Menjavar....so you see ..gsp should tell bj penn to go pound sand..but $$$$$ changes everything(cindy lauper)this is no exception..../stoker
about 1 month ago
I think it's necessary and I've been waiting for it for a while. The first matchup was one of the closest fights I've ever seen. Also, very rarely in the history of MMA do you get the opportunity to pair up two of the best ever in their prime. Two legitimate top 5 p4p guys against one another.... It's great for the sport, it's great for the UFC's bottom line, and it's a treat for fans. There is nothing not to love.
about 1 month ago
Derek,
GOOD POINT!!! ..it makes fabulous sence in that respect,..I ONLY HOPE MY FAMOUS COUNTRYMAN COMES OUT OF THIS WITH BOTH EYES INTACT ps..."bj is girly man"..(ahhnold)..lmao../stoker
about 1 month ago
Stoker,
I'm a Pride fan. And I can beat you in arm-wrestling. (I weigh 176-pounds and I'm age 51) If you can beat me in arm-wrestling, then Pride blows and the UFC is all class and dignity. LOL
So, here's my logic: Although most of Pride's Japanese fighters were tomato cans, the organization brought in more fighters from more countries than all the other MMA organizations combined. In Pride, the rules, the refereeing, the fans, and the announcers were far superior to those of the UFC.
So, how about that arm-wrestle just to make sure I'm not wrong?
about 1 month ago
HAHAHA Rules? what rules?.. yeah fedor fought the (Japanese version of the bum of the month club) every new years eve and that's one of THE REASONS HE WONT SIGN UP OVER HERE IN NORTH AMERICA..THAT, AND DANA WONT LET HIM FIGHT COMBAT SAMBO ANY MORE ...BOO HOOO...??rules in pride are very ..similar to barroom brawling -soccer kicks to the head- while the guy is down???..god knows i've seen my share of violence but no need for those rules in mma..arlovski is combat sambo champ..so its looking good for a big arlovski win..heres hoping..lol
/your good buddy stoker..O.D.A.T.
from about 1 month ago
Arlovski has never even competed in Combat Sambo.
Arlovski did SPORT Sambo (no strikes), and was never a Champion at it. Came in 2nd a couple of times thou.
Also, Fedor didn't sign the UFC deal for MANY reasons, not just Combat Sambo issue.
And finally, fedor makes more than ANY MMA fighter in history of MMA. So not being with UFC is not a big deal.
from about 1 month ago
SPLITTING HAIRS AGAIN ANTHONY??..ARLOVSKI IS VERSED IN SAMBO..ANDREI ARLOVSKI Sambo championships
* Master of Sport [7]
* International Master of Sport [7]
* European Youth Sambo Champion [7]
* Silver medalist at the Sambo World Cup [7]
* Silver medalist at the World Sambo Championship [7]
about 1 month ago
Aww, c'mon, Stoker...
Are soccer kicks and knees to the head a little too violent for a rough-and-tumble Canadian bar-bouncer/boxer like you?
And of course Pride had rules. I just don't remember what they were. LOL!
Truth be told, I've always been in favor of just two rules: no eye-gouging and no biting. And no time-limit, no judges and optional attire; gloves only if you want to wear them -- and the gi is welcome.
Tapout, knockout, or referee stoppage. Now THAT is real MMA.
And Fedor and his handlers are very smart for not signing with Dana's under-paid stable. Somehow, I doubt Fedor is afraid of the UFC heavyweights.
about 1 month ago
lmao..WOW..DID THEY EVEN HAVE REFEREES IN PRIDE?? lol..yeah,,,I dunno..boxing seems so pacifistic nowadays....very plain and simple ...there was a time when I didn't miss a televised bout..NOW IT HAS TO BE A HUGE HBO PPV ..BEFOR ILL EVEN TUNE IN..i'm a crossover mma fan from the early nineties..petey williams,vitor belfort and kimo,david "tank" abbott they all could have been much more violent than they were..but seem to have limits as to what they would inflict on an opponent..im thinking if UFC had the same rules as pride did..they would be crucified by the government and shut down,all over again.lol
./stoker
about 1 month ago
fedor and his handlers are just plain dumb..imagine the revenue and money from commercials and movies etc etc..that they are missing out on...one day they will wake up and kick themselves for not pushing for fedor to sign with UFC....like Dana White said.."when pride shut down..most of these dudes are without work..good luck fighting sambo and making millions"..GOOD LUCK TRYING TO FIGHT ANYWHERE ELSE AND MAKING DECENT MONEY..affliction is here today but may be gone tomorrow,..the only job security is within the confines of the UFC..
/stoker
about 1 month ago
randy couture woke up and looked around..and said wow...my movies are duds..my clothing line and new gym need money..im getting old...wait, maybe i better not cut off my nose to spite my face!!.."sorry Dana White"..lets talk..lol..maybe we can work something out..
/stoker
about 1 month ago
Dana White is a "f&*king d*#k-h@^d," to use his educated and refined vocabulary.
Decent money and a fair shake? From the UFC? HA!
Why do you think Dana wants to squash the MMA competition? So he can pay his fighters less, of course. Plus he can maintain power to tell his fighters when to pee.
Is that what Fedor's handlers want for Fedor? Dana is the Fidel Castro of MMA. Plus he's seriously losing his marbles. For starters, he has less scruples than Don King, and he makes Bob Arum look like Father Flanagan. And now I see signs of him slowly cracking up. Dana will pay the Piper for his transgressions.
About MMA in general? So what if Congress shuts it down? It would be the best think that could happen to MMA. Let it go underground! It should have stayed there to begin with. We'd see the best real fights around.
Did the 13th Amendment keep booze off the streets? no. It caused more booze than ever for illicit consumption.
Illegal MMA would be perfect! There would be no contract disputes, no under-qualified dictators, and no greedy, crybaby fighters. And there would be no tacky MMA gear and energy drink logos splattered all over the fighters trunks and the cage surface.
about 1 month ago
..YOU KNOW DAMN WELL THAT FEDOR ISNT MAKING THE CHEDDAR HE COULD WITH THE UFC..SO ..GIMMIE SOME PROOF OF HIS BIG INCOME
from about 1 month ago
Nice profile picture.
Seriously, tho', there's no need to feel down.
I said, young man, pick yourself off the ground.
I said, young man, 'cause you're in a new town
There's no need to be unhappy.
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