UFC 137 Results: 3 Reasons Why B.J. Penn Should Retire

Following his loss to Nick Diaz at UFC 137, BJ Penn made the shocking announcement that he was going to retire. 

Penn is one of the UFC’s most accomplished fighters as he has held both the welterweight and lightweight titles.

Despite just being 32, Penn has decided to call it a career.

Here are the reasons why he is making the right decision. 

He Has Nothing Left to Prove

BJ Penn will go down as one of the best fighters in MMA history.

Penn has won both the Welterweight and Lightweight titles, becoming the only man besides Randy Couture to hold two different UFC titles.

Penn was the most dominant lightweight during his reign as champion, and has defeated former champions such as Matt Hughes, Matt Serra, Takanori Gomi, and Sean Sherk. 

He's Struggled with Staying Motivated

Throughout Penn’s career, the one thing that has often asked about him before a fight is if he was motivated to train.

A motivated Penn is one of the most dangerous fighters in the world.

The other Penn though usually gasses out and ends up in a bad spot.

Although Penn has often said he has been motivated to fight, the fact that it’s always a question when he doesn’t win is an issue. 

His Last Five Fights Have Not Been That Great

B.J. Penn has been on a slump throughout his last five fights.

He lost two straight to Frankie Edgar. Although the first one was close, the Penn was dominated the second time around.

He then defeated a Matt Hughes who is not the same fighter he once was.

Penn then fought Jon Fitch to a draw. Although this may not be completely bad considering Fitch has only lost once in the UFC, it still doesn’t count as a win.

Tonight’s loss against Diaz is the fourth time Penn has lost to a top contender in the past five fights.

Although Penn still should have something left in the gas tank, he may finally be on the decline.