Sotiropoulos: Hope For The Lightweight Division?

During UFC 110, George Sotiropoulos showed the world two things: one, Australia has real potential in MMA, and two, he is possibly the biggest threat to BJ Penn that the UFC lightweight division has to offer. Professionally, he has finished fights in eight of his twelve victories, mainly by submission. Such resolve is something that is often left to be desired in lightweight matches, but Sotiropoulos has consistently delivered.

He completely dominated Joe "Daddy" Stevenson in similar fashion to how BJ Penn finished him off, the only difference being that Penn actually finished the match before it went to a decision. Decision or not, a win against Stevenson is no small feat, and it begs a necessary comparison between the two victors.  

In considering how Sotiropoulos would fare against BJ Penn, it would more than likely be a boxing match. Penn is an excellent boxer, but Sotiropoulos is no slouch. He won the Victoria State Amateur Boxing Championship in 2004, thus offering valid experience in the free movement phase of fighting. He demonstrated these skills in every one of his professional matches, however the only worry Sotiropoulos fans should have in a potential match between Penn and Sotiropoulosis having a similar turnout as Penn's fight with Kenny Florian.

Florian is highly gifted and talented in striking and clinch fighting, yet Penn dominated him; and most difficult of all, he made it look easy. The Penn/Florian fight shouldn't be a formula by which to judge a potential match between Penn and Sotiropoulos, but the outcome shouldn't be taken lightly by Sotiropoulos. If there's one thing that should be heavily noted, Penn will not willingly go to the ground as his stand-up game is complete. Penn can strike, dirty box, grapple and, when needed, effectively kick (like he showed Diego Sanchez in UFC 107).   

If Sotiropoulos did happen to end up on the ground with Penn, this would prove to be an interesting match. Sotiropoulos demonstrated unique ability on the ground, utilizing many strategies from Eddie Bravo's 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu to break Stevenson's posture and gain at least one submission opportunity that very well may have successfully ended the match had the round not timed out.

If he were to use such innovation against Penn on the ground, it may very well be a coin toss. However, getting Penn to the ground is easier said than done, much less getting to the top position. Nonetheless, Sotiropoulos offers the UFC a great prospect in a division that Penn has just about completely run through. Until then, there will be nothing but excitement for fans watching a hungry--and dangerous--Sotiropoulos fight his way towards the championship as he may just be the missing element to keep the lightweight title competitive.