BJ Penn, We Just Don't Know

By Jason Kelly

Ahhhh BJ, what are you doing to yourself now? BJ Penn botched back to back fights in his previous two fights against Frankie Edgar and that made Penn revisit the welterweight division although, Penn claims he is fighting at 170 pounds because he is concerned with appealing fights as he approaches the last chapter of his career. Penn thinks a trilogy, rubber match that pairs him with Matt Hughes is an interesting fight, as well as a fight BJ thinks he thinks he can win. No one is saying that BJ is incapable of winning this fight but, few people are saying BJ is the favorite to win and numerous people are contemplating what BJ Penn will arrive at UFC 123.

It is no secret that BJ Penn has the ability to compete with anyone within his reasonable weight but, BJ’s reasonable weight stops at 165 pounds. Penn would be a heavy favorite against most of the lightweight fighters, and some of the welterweight fighters but, Matt Hughes is not one of those welterweight fighters. Hughes is much larger than BJ and Hughes is extremely talented, not to mention the momentum behind Hughes as he enters this fight. Hughes has recently dismantled a Gracie legend, a Gracie star, and a Gracie up and comer however, BJ is at the absolute opposite end of the spectrum. Penn is risking a lot in this fight, while Hughes in is a great position as far as the division and rankings are concerned.

If Penn loses at UFC 123 that will be three consecutive losses for the former UFC champ. Three consecutive losses would place BJ in a predicament which would force him to return to lightweight and fight a lower ranked opponent, revamp his training camp for the umpteenth time, or simply retire. Penn returning to lightweight would influence him to refurbish his camp because if Penn climbed the ladder to the top of the lightweight division, he could possibly meet Frankie Edgar again, and BJ needs a whole new approach if that fight happens. Retirement is not something I believe Penn is considering but, another loss may put his mind in a different place, and retirement may become a reality. Hughes though, can lose this fight and stay in the middle of the division. And if Hughes wins at UFC 123, he will be within a fight or two from the belt, which could allow some of those A.K.A. boys to have a crack at the former welterweight champion.

Penn suggests he wants meaningful, fun fights for the next while. If that statement is true Penn might improve drastically. Hughes made a similar claim after he lost to Thiago Alves, and recently Hughes seems satisfied just to fight, resulting in his recent victories now that he has relieved the pressure of stalking a title fight. We seen the same thing happen with other fighters as well and Penn definitely has the talent to still compete but, his problems of not putting his talent with the right mentality and proper training camp are something that continue to haunt Penn. Until Penn properly combines those traits he will continue to have headaches throughout his fight career. Penn has Frankie Edgar waiting for him at 155 pounds, and at 170 pounds awaits Georges St. Pierre; a man Penn will never beat with Penn’s inconsistencies.


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where is the disclaimer?