Ill Will Mixed with Bad Blood: Sean Sherk vs BJ Penn at UFC 84

The rivalry between UFC fighters Sean Sherk and BJ Penn has escalated to a point beyond that of a minor playground scuffle.

There is genuine animosity between these two warriors and their match-up on May 24 at UFC 84: Ill Will is one of the most anticipated fights of the year.

Sean Sherk successfully defended his lightweight title last July against Hermes Franca but was suspended because he tested positive for the banned substance nandrolone. Sherk’s suspension was reduced from one year to six months, but he was stripped of the belt.

Consequently, the fight between BJ Penn and Joe Stevenson at UFC 80 in January was for the official, not the interim, UFC lightweight championship. Penn won that fight via rear naked choke in the second round, and is now officially the champion of the division.

This turn of events has caused a lot of controversy, because many people have argued that Sherk never actually "lost" the belt in the first place. The undisputed champion will be decided when these two square off at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The trash talk has been coming from both sides, and is heating up as the date of the fight nears. Both fighters have said that they do not respect the other for various reasons.

Penn has denounced Sherk as a cheater, telling him to “Grow some balls, fight BJ Penn without steroids. That would be cool.” Penn also said that he wants to lick blood off Sherk’s face while punching him.

Sherk responded, saying “I think Penn needs to see a psychiatrist.” Penn did lick his bloody gloves after the fight with Stevenson, but his comment is probably just an example of a fighter hyping up a fight.

Regarding the belt, Sherk had the following comment: “If you want to be the champ, you have to beat the champ and that’s what this fight is about. This fight is to find out who the real champion is. He thinks he is and I think I am and we’ll find out May 24^th who deserves it.”

Stylistically, this fight poses a number of interesting questions. One of the key factors that will determine the winner is stamina. These two fighters are on the opposite end of the cardio spectrum.

Penn has been known for his rather lackluster cardio and work ethic in the past. He will surely be very motivated for this fight. The question is whether or not he can finish Sherk within the first two rounds before he starts to tire.

Penn told his fans “I have just enough cardio to put Sherk away.” He will attempt to use his jiu-jitsu skills to gain a dominant position on the ground, while looking to end the fight with a submission.

Sherk is known for his ridiculous training regime and excellent endurance. If he really was on steroids, his performance may be affected without them. He should still have great cardio though, and will look to use his wrestling and relentless style to wear down Penn and win the fight.

Both fighters are adept on the feet, with good chins. Penn has the reach advantage, yet Sherk has underrated technical striking. But this fight will probably be decided on the ground where both fighters are most comfortable.

If Sherk can survive the early storm, he has a great chance to finish the fight in the later rounds with a stoppage or win by decision. He has said that he wants to get Penn out of there early though, so Sherk might be very aggressive from the start.

Penn will be looking to sweep or take down Sherk so he can get on top and work some ground and pound en route to a submission. He wants to finish the fight early and decisively before potentially gassing out.

Sherk has only fought three times in the past two and a half years, with his last contest being in July 2007. It remains to be seen whether ring rust will affect his performance. Penn has won his last two fights by choke-out in the second round, and he will be shooting for a three-peat.

Either way, it should be an entertaining affair, with both combatants looking to prove themselves as the top fighter at 155 pounds. There are a number of promising contenders vying for a shot at the belt, so the path as champion will not get any easier for the winner.

The UFC lightweight division is arguably the most exciting division in mixed martial arts, routinely providing fast-paced technical battles showcasing all aspects of combat. The division needs an undisputed champion who stands at the top of the mountain, ready to take on all challengers.

Sean Sherk and BJ Penn both fit the bill, yet only one can be champ. The ill will showcased by the two fighters has already begun. What matters is how it ends.