Profiling The Prodigy: BJ Penn Versus Kenny Florian

BJ Penn is one of the most talented fighters in the UFC, and is the champion at 155. He achieved the ranking of black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu faster than almost anyone else, and he wields tremendous power in his hands.

Even with his impressive resume, BJ Penn is a highly scrutinized fighter because of what some call a lack of dedication to the sport.

The most recent appearance Penn made was in a bout versus Welterweight champion George St. Pierre for Pierre’s title. In what was supposed to be one of the best fights of the year, Penn failed to make it to the final round after St. Pierre had summarily dominated him for the entire fight.

What better way to silence his critics than to throw in the towel before the final round of a fight.

One of the things Penn has had troubles with in his career is his cardiovascular endurance. He is noticeably worn down in the latter rounds of many of his fights, and that is not how a champion should be. Penn is perfectly capable of ending a fight standing up or on the ground, but if his opponent stifles both of those capabilities then Penn is a fish out of water.

In the upcoming event, UFC 101, BJ Penn will face the streaking Kenny Florian to defend his Lightweight title. Penn hasn’t fought since the controversial loss to St. Pierre at Welterweight. Florian hasn’t lost in his last six fights and his last loss was in a title fight against then dominant Sean Sherk. In a battle of reeling champion versus dangerous challenger, the advantage has to rest with Florian.

Don’t get me wrong, Penn is still perfectly capable of dominating any opponent he faces. But there can be no better storyline than the one set for Saturday’s event. BJ Penn, the infinitely talented champion who has face criticism for his heart and work ethic against Kenny Florian, a fighter who has had to earn every accolade and is constantly working, fighting and giving his all to reach the top of the mountain.

Story aside, there are plenty of reasons why BJ Penn will not walk out of Philadelphia with the Lightweight title in hand.

BJ relies on the knockout power in his hands, his quickness and ground game to neutralize his opponents. On the other side, Kenny Florian has an arsenal of his own to work with.

Florian is a skilled Muy Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fighter capable of ending a fight in the stand up or on the ground. He also possesses a great reach advantage over Penn. That advantage is going to make it difficult for BJ Penn to get inside and fully utilize his boxing ability. But Penn can’t take the fight to the ground with all the confidence in the world because of the comparable skills Florian has there.

Penn may be the quicker of the two men, but he is at his best when he can get in close and take the fight to his opponents. Florian’s Muy Thai and kicking power make it very likely that Penn will find himself being very cautious and remaining just outside of the reach of Florian’s punches and kicks.

Florian’s Muy Thai is perfectly suited for stopping someone like Penn too. If he was to sink in a clinch and lay some knees on Penn, BJ would have little recourse. Florian’s length in comparison to Penn’s relative lack thereof would make Florian’s knees that much more devastating because of the ability and natural motion to follow through for greater impact.

The one thing that could make this fight even more interesting is the ability of both to finish a fight early. Kenny Florian said himself that he finishes fights and that is what his division lacks. Penn is skilled at ending fights just as quickly and suppose the fight reaches a stalemate?

What if Florian’s reach and Penn’s strength offset and the fight is reduced to whoever can hit the best combos without incurring damage themselves? What if Penn and Florian, two stars in the UFC known for finishing fights take it the distance? Can BJ Penn go the distance?

So many questions that can be asked, but none of them can be answered. At least not until after the fight is over.

The MMA world will have to wait and see at UFC 101.