The Essence of GSP

UFC 94 came off as a big bang for MMA fans. The main event was the most anticipated fight of 2009 and I must say that my prediction became a reality. GSP owned B.J. Penn that night. 

As I stated in my UFC 94 analysis, in order for B.J. Penn to beat GSP, he would have to come prepared with 100% of unquestionable cardio and conditioning. B.J. had to be prepared for a stronger, wiser, and more athletic GSP than from their first encounter. However, looking at B.J.'s eyes before the fight, you could tell he came in not prepared. 

As the first round went underway, GSP was in total control. GSP pushed for the clinch and take downs while B.J. did nothing to neutralize GSP's onslaught of constant pressure. The physical and mental pressure put on by GSP broke down B.J. Penn's game plan. The odd thing is, I do not even know if B.J. came in with a game plan. 

GSP's game plan was simple. Come ready to fight all five rounds without getting tired. How can that be possible you might ask? GSP trained vigorously with Greg Jackson's camp, top MMA fighters like UFC champion Rashad Evans helped push GSP to a new level of conditioning, and GSP trains with one of the best Muay Thai trainers based in New York City, Phil Nurse of the WAT GYM.

B.J. trained but then took some time off and as we all saw on the UFC ALL Access, even UFC President Dana White could not get a hold of B.J. Penn. 

As the second round and third round went on, B.J. was losing his cardio and conditioning. All the energy seemed to disappear each time when GSP connected with the left jab or from the marvelous take downs.

GSP knew exactly what buttons to push and what combinations to hit that disoriented B.J. during each round. As a matter of fact, I do not think B.J. landed any major blows to GSP at all.

GSP displayed the true essence of a martial artist. As I mentioned previously regarding the UFC All Access, in order for B.J. to back up his tough words and cockiness, he had to come in to fight all five rounds and not get tired.

Unfortunately, B.J. looked exhausted just after the first round. GSP never once spoke ill of his opponent and after the match, came over to B.J.'s corner and thanked him for the match.

Martial arts and MMA in particular involved something more than just arm-bars or ground and pound. It involves the spiritual and mental aspect of the human soul. GSP displayed all three factors brilliantly in the stand up, the take down, and barrage of constant ground and pound. GSP controlled the Prodigy.