Kenny Florian Is the UFC's Prayers Being Answered

It's hard to open any MMA webpage or flip through the pages in a similar magazine without reading about B.J. Penn, or his current temper tantrum post-GSP beatdown. It's in all our faces, no matter how disgusted we are with the excuses and the fighter himself.

B.J. Penn, despite my opinion of the man, is a phenomenal fighter. It could easily be argued that he may be the greatest lightweight fighter ever. EVER. He has submissions that come from nowhere, and knockout power when you least expect it. He's the total package. Unfortunately for him (and us): He knows this.

He went from singularly phenomenal fighter with a stellar record, to a petulant child who lashes out at others for his loss, rather then accepting responsibility for his own shortcomings. 

He has become less champion and more joke in the time it takes to close escrow on a house.

He's doing his best to remove any credibility from the UFC's most marketable and high profile fighter, while at the same time dancing around the issue of the most professional and arguably likable lightweight on the roster.

Kenny Florian.

One of the (arguably) most successful members of the first TUF cast, Kenny has gone on to have numerous outstanding fights...losing only to Sean Sherk for a then vacant UFC lightweight title.

A regular gig commentating for ESPN's MMA Live, repeated trips to the commentary booth and opening his own dojo: All things that have increased Kenny's exposure while at the same time showing his true colors. 

A consummate professional. Tactful and soft-spoken, but able to make statements when necessary.

He's Dana Whites' dream: A fighter with both dangerous striking and submissions. 

A fighter with no drama in his past, like steroids or temperamental walk outs. 

A lightweight who wants to stay a lightweight. A PROFESSIONAL that Dana doesn't have to worry about making an ass out of himself, his opponent, or the company.

Finally, the man the UFC and the sport as a whole needs—is finally poised to stand at the top of the mountain.

No matter how much Dana tries to support BJ Penn, it's clear that White can see the writing on the wall: B.J.'s a liability now. 

If he loses, he'll tear down the company with excuses and accusations again. 

If he wins, he may retire outright and the title will be downgraded, represented by men who are virtual silver medalists to BJ Penn.

The fans, Dana White, Joe Silva, and the UFC all need Kenny Florian to come in at a level even HE didn't know he had. 

Because he needs to beat BJ Penn, ignore the ensuing allegations of greasing, long fingernails, ridiculously distracting haircuts—and be the champion that the sport needs.

He needs to be the champion that the sport DESERVES.

Post-Written Note: I realize that there's a lot of B.J. Penn hate going on. And this article comes off more than a little slanted toward him. I get that. 

But at the same time, why are we trying to excuse his actions? I readily concede that he's a fantastic fighter. It doesn't mean I have to like his actions outside the ring though.