Is BJ Penn Focused On The Hype Or The Fight?

On January 31st Georges St. Pierre defends his welterweight belt against current lightweight champion BJ Penn at UFC 94.  This fight is a rematch that will have far reaching implications for not only the UFC's future super fights but also for the world pound for pound rankings.

The hype for this event began before the fight agreements were signed or an event was scheduled.  When the fight became official the UFC marketing machine went into overdrive promoting this fight ahead of not only UFC 93 but the star studded UFC 92 as well.

The hype machine hasn't stopped at least for BJ Penn who has upped the ante when it comes to self promotion and interactive websites.  If you haven't been to BJPenn.com do it now and experience what I'm talking about.  Even if you don't like him as a fighter you'll appreciate the multimedia MMA buffet he's laid out.

While watching episode six of the BJPenn.com Show on his website which included him getting sprayed down with fake sweat, sprinting for twenty feet for the camera, and diving into a lagoon to carry a rock out from its depths I wondered, "When is Penn legitimately training?"

Its a fair question.  Sure he has video of his gym workouts and sparring and grappling sessions online but all this video can't be taken on the first take.  Also as the MTV Cribs-esq BJPenn.com Show has progressed Penn is out and about posing on the beach or surfing more than training.

GSP on the other hand has virtually dropped off the face of the planet providing only a few quick video interviews where it appears he's been interrupted mid training session.  I'll admit I have a bias for GSP but you can't question his approach to training and focus for his fights.

January 31st will answer many questions but depending on the outcome it may pose just as many such as can a videoblogging schedule be blamed for a loss?