BJ "The Prodigy" Penn Stands Alone

After BJ Penn's systematic dismantling of Kenny Florian this past weekend, one begs to ask the question, "What's next for the Prodigy?"

Dana White has already stated that the next in line for a shot at the LW belt is Diego Sanchez. While this has the makings for an exciting fight on paper, Penn is far superior to Sanchez in every aspect of the game.

Penn has true knockout power, is a very technical boxer for an MMA practitioner, has an iron chin, great take-down defense, noticeably better cardio and conditioning, and is elite on the ground. I do not see how Diego will emerge from this match with a win.

So who will really challenege the Prodigy?

The two names that I keep seeing other than Sanchez as possible title contenders are Frank Edgar and Gray Maynard. Both of these fighters are very similar with the exception that Maynard is a little more dangerous on his feet. However, the Prodigy would finish both of these fighters within the first three rounds.

Standing, Penn has the technique and power to methodically breakdown every fighter currently in the UFC lightweight division. The only fighter that I have seen take Penn down and control him on the ground is George St-Pierre, who is the best functional wrestler in all of MMA. On the ground, though, Penn is a true master. He is just as dangerous on the bottom as he is on the top position.

What truly makes him so effective on the ground is his flexibility. He moves his legs in ways that I never thought possible.

As of right now, BJ Penn is a man amongst boys. He is in a class all by himself. It will be a long time before we see another LW with the gold around his waist.