The Many Faces of B.J. Penn's Lightweight Competition
by Eugene Schelfaut on Dec 15, 2009 7:17 PM EST
in MMA News
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Thanks to reader Juan Sempertegui for the suggestion.
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I can’t stand BJ Penn, but that is an awesome collage of the damage he has done to his opponents. Brutal stuff
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" - Philippians 4:13
Even more impressive would be to compare against pics of BJ after each of those fights
…looking pretty much like he did at the start except for all of his opponents’ blood on his shorts.
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ.
I blog at TangleBones - you should follow me on Twitter here.
Based on the size and of the paint bucket BJ calls a head.
I’m pretty sure he is close to un-knockout-able and doesn’t seem to cut easily, if at all.
Which are two huge assets to consider when game planing for him.
His head is weird shaped
but it looked smaller than Diego’s… and a LOT smaller than Sherk.
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ.
I blog at TangleBones - you should follow me on Twitter here.
Picture nr. 4 hast to be one of the best taken in MMA photography, along with this picture of Couture:
Picture nr. 4 hast to be one of the best taken in MMA photography,
Indeed, and Martin, who took the photo, talks about in his own FanPost
Epic, epic, epic
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by Brent Brookhouse on Dec 15, 2009 6:06 PM EST reply actions
Diego looks like a lost little boy in his second picture.
BJ broke his soul.
by HappyLittleTreez on Dec 15, 2009 6:08 PM EST reply actions
like a little dexter morgan.
born in blood and all that.
I'm like PacMan fightin you silly kids... throw ya Hatton the ring, and get knocked outlike Ricky did.
lol.
Awesome work
This would also work well for Brock
Giving Shogun his props. I had the fight 48-47 Machida but Shogun put up a monumental performance and I am honored to have seen it in person.
I was more thinking of this time...
Giving Shogun his props. I had the fight 48-47 Machida but Shogun put up a monumental performance and I am honored to have seen it in person.
by Day Man on Dec 15, 2009 6:24 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
BJ has a Fedor-like aura about him at Lightweight.
I don’t know why anyone would want to fight him in that weightclass
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" - Philippians 4:13
He has that aura everywhere, he just ran into GSP. I think he would hurt most of the WW class badly
Giving Shogun his props. I had the fight 48-47 Machida but Shogun put up a monumental performance and I am honored to have seen it in person.
I think there are a few more of the WW other than GSP that could put a beating on Penn also, so he doesn’t have that same aura of invincibility. But he could still do very well in that weightclass.
But at lightweight is just flatout terrifying!
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" - Philippians 4:13
Well..to be fair he at least did beat Hughes once.
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by Brent Brookhouse on Dec 15, 2009 6:27 PM EST up reply actions
And was winning the rematch until he separated his rib.
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett
by Scott C. Broussard on Dec 15, 2009 6:28 PM EST up reply actions
He lost plain and simple. No one discredits Rua’s performance against Machida despite Machida having a broken hand. He has a loss and a win against Hughes. Very respectable!
BJ is a bad man! He the scariest lightweight in the world, and easily a top 3-5 WW if he wanted.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" - Philippians 4:13
I agree it’s a loss via TKO, but that’s not the whole story. Penn was handling Hughes then injured himself and couldn’t fight through the pain, so Hughes capitalized.
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett
by Scott C. Broussard on Dec 15, 2009 6:52 PM EST up reply actions
I agree. BJ was winning the fight before the 3rd round. I just hate anytime a fighter’s win when gets downplayed because of an injury. Fighters win/lose with injuries all the time. Randy did it with a broken arm, Forrest did it with a broken foot, etc. etc. Just seems unfair to apply rules like that in some instances and not others (again I bring up Machida).
Of course it’s hypothetical, but BJ’s tank could have very well ran out and still lost even without the rib injury. His conditioning was terrible at WW.
I don’t like BJ, but I have serious respect for him.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" - Philippians 4:13
I'm a born-again BJ fan
This fight actually brought me back to BJ. Between a lot of his talk, how the GSP situation got handled and the fact that I was desperately hoping Sherk would beat him, I lost a lot of fondness for him over the last few years. But damn it if watching what he’s been doing at 155 doesn’t make me a fan again. He is just simply amazing.
Also, I agree with you entirely about not taking wins away from fighters. I extend that sort of thinking beyond injuries and apply it to revisionism, too. Some people say BJ beat Jens after their stint on TUF after Jens was already a lesser fighter and I say that’s bullshit.
"I’m sorry. I didn’t drink last night, so I’m not funny today."
-Sakuraba
This was the first time I was rooting for BJ ever in a fight. I’m not sure I’ll ever care for his personality, but I really liked the way he handled himself leading up to his fight against Sanchez. He was much more humble. And of course his performance was amazing!
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" - Philippians 4:13
u must admit..
he WAS winning the fight until the injury tho, This isn’t like Matt Hammill getting his shoulder messed up vs. Jon Jones. Bj was winning the fight… but I don’t discredit Hughes’s win.
I'm like PacMan fightin you silly kids... throw ya Hatton the ring, and get knocked outlike Ricky did.
lol.
Giving Shogun his props. I had the fight 48-47 Machida but Shogun put up a monumental performance and I am honored to have seen it in person.
i'm still wincing
when i look at those pics of Diego. He was absolutly battered. That cut looks more like a knife wound, definitly up there with Eastman and Wagner. An awesome set of photo’s, the damage BJ has dished out at LW is scary.
"I want to tell me what you see, lets go ahead and see by the fight, what you saw, in the ring" -Tito Ortiz, MMA's finest commentator.
Buy the 5 pack ROTR, Cage Rage, ICON DVD set they are selling. It is included along with a bunch of gems (Anderson Silva, Penn, Gomi, Bisping, Franklin, etc) for less than 20 bucks.
If you mean online, you can search Google or most MMA sites that have videos and you will find it. It occurred in Rumble On The Rocks 4, I believe.
by MMASuPreMaCy on Dec 15, 2009 8:45 PM EST up reply actions
Or, you know, look around online...
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ.
I blog at TangleBones - you should follow me on Twitter here.
Ahem
http://mixedmartialartvideos.com/bj-penn-vs-takanori-gomi/
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ.
I blog at TangleBones - you should follow me on Twitter here.
I dislike Matt Hughes. Shogun beat him like a dirty horse.
by MonkeyCHops on Dec 15, 2009 6:26 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Giving Shogun his props. I had the fight 48-47 Machida but Shogun put up a monumental performance and I am honored to have seen it in person.
by Day Man on Dec 15, 2009 6:30 PM EST up reply actions 6 recs
This always deserves a Rec
Ospital… lol, gets me everytime. =)
Mauricio Shogun Rua #1 LHW in the World. The TRUE Champion.
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."
by xFenixKnightx on Dec 15, 2009 10:51 PM EST up reply actions
I’d still rather fight GSP than Penn. GSP grinds you down, but Penn shatters you. Sherk lost his will in the opening seconds once his takedown was stuffed. Stevenson was a crying, bloody mess. Florian had the thousand-yard stare after being choked. Diego looked scared for the first time in a fight. I’d rather have GSP out-wrestle me for 20 minutes than any of that.
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett
by Scott C. Broussard on Dec 15, 2009 6:36 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Tell that to Jon Fitch
Giving Shogun his props. I had the fight 48-47 Machida but Shogun put up a monumental performance and I am honored to have seen it in person.
by Day Man on Dec 15, 2009 6:41 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
It had lubrication and everything...
…sorry…I couldn’t resist
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by Brent Brookhouse on Dec 15, 2009 6:46 PM EST up reply actions 10 recs
Do we actually have any evidence of GSP using grease illegally?
I like using semi-colons; they make me feel smart.
Yes. There’s video footage these still came from that show his cornerman putting Vaseline on GSP’s face, then shoulders, then chest. It’s hard to determine who knew what, but it’s unequivocal he had something on him.
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett
by Scott C. Broussard on Dec 15, 2009 8:39 PM EST up reply actions
And a bunch of people he's fought came out and said they thought it was true
For example, Jason Miller had just published a magazine article about fighting and unnamed opponent that was greased up and after the BJ fight he said that it was GSP. Hughes agreed, as did others.
Not saying that it’s true, just that there’s a lot of evidence to suggest that SOMETHING’s going on, even if it’s just GSP sweating out a lot of poutine.
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ.
I blog at TangleBones - you should follow me on Twitter here.
…I forgot that people weren’t around this site during all of that. I’m one that was firmly on the GSP side of the debate (as in he would have won anyway, but he clearly had Vaseline illegally applied…but we’re not opening that debate).
I just was making a joke but forgot that sometimes, with some people, the internet is always serious business
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by Brent Brookhouse on Dec 15, 2009 10:02 PM EST up reply actions
Has readership
gone up a lot since GreaseGate?
Those were some lengthy discussions….
It wasn't on his flanks or sides below his arms.
The rubbing of his back is just a chakra thing he does – the trainer should have wiped his hand first, but I don’t think the goal there was to lube him up.
That said, if GSP finds a way to be slippery by eating a high fat diet or something, I’d call that a legal advantage.
I like using semi-colons; they make me feel smart.
wait
You mean BJ actually landed a punch against GSP? Holy cow! We need the super man punch gif NOW.
I am one of maybe 4
people on this site who think BJ won the 1st meeting. I will still pay $100 to watch Penn/GSP III.
i agree
i watched that fight and am baffled as to how gsp got the w… he had a few takedowns but wasn’t able to do much with them. for some reason i really dislike gsp
If you think BJ won you’re on Cecil People’s side.
Keep firing Assholes!
Fedor has accomplished nothing until he fights Kimbo.
it's pretty sad
when cecil peoples is the voice of reason
by kanodogg on Dec 15, 2009 8:47 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Blind squirrels and stopped clocks.
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ.
I blog at TangleBones - you should follow me on Twitter here.
I suspect you aren’t including me in the 4 since I just joined. But you can count both me and my kid brother as people who think BJ won the first fight. So, we may not be legion, but we are at least 6 strong! :)
"Der freie Mensch ist Krieger" -- Nietzsche
All six of you are wrong
Haven’t seen it in some time, but I specifically remember that BJ won the first and then went away. Maybe I should give it a whirl for old times sake..
"I’m sorry. I didn’t drink last night, so I’m not funny today."
-Sakuraba
by Blackout612 on Dec 15, 2009 7:33 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Fightmetric called the fight a draw. I would have settled for that. Their explanation can be found here:
http://www.fightmetric.com/fights/GSP-Penn.html
"Der freie Mensch ist Krieger" -- Nietzsche
Having seen it about a year ago, I called it 28-28 with Penn taking the 1st 10-8 but losing R2 and R3 10-9.
by Applejack McNeil on Dec 15, 2009 9:05 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
He landed an awesome thumb to the eye. Then took advantage.
Mauricio Shogun Rua #1 LHW in the World. The TRUE Champion.
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."
by xFenixKnightx on Dec 15, 2009 10:52 PM EST up reply actions
After Penn/Uno II
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett
by Scott C. Broussard on Dec 15, 2009 6:27 PM EST reply actions
I have trouble believing that fight was a draw after seeing this pic. Looks more like their first fight.
http://www.fcfighter.com/news0303.htm =)
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett
by Scott C. Broussard on Dec 15, 2009 6:31 PM EST up reply actions
you were there at the event and took this pic, right? Just making sure.
=)
by MMASuPreMaCy on Dec 15, 2009 6:40 PM EST up reply actions
Dude...
knock it off. For real.
Editor - BloodyElbow.com - SBNation's mixed martial arts headquarters.
MMA Editor - SBNation.com
by Brent Brookhouse on Dec 15, 2009 6:46 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
(knocked off) Joking. We were having a great chat about this yesterday.
by MMASuPreMaCy on Dec 15, 2009 6:50 PM EST up reply actions
Did you tell that to Anton?
Mauricio Shogun Rua #1 LHW in the World. The TRUE Champion.
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."
by xFenixKnightx on Dec 15, 2009 10:53 PM EST up reply actions
I’m not. Who said I was? I’m just curious if he said anything to him.
Mauricio Shogun Rua #1 LHW in the World. The TRUE Champion.
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."
by xFenixKnightx on Dec 15, 2009 11:12 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
What was said between staff is between staff.
All I care about is that every single post doesn’t include a sub theme of that whole situation.
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MMA Editor - SBNation.com
by Brent Brookhouse on Dec 16, 2009 11:45 AM EST up reply actions
Ha I forgot Anton actually is on the staff. Thats cool man, I agree.
Mauricio Shogun Rua #1 LHW in the World. The TRUE Champion.
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."
by xFenixKnightx on Dec 16, 2009 1:59 PM EST up reply actions
Dana White had trouble believing Penn-Uno II was a draw too
And he stood up and flat out said as much at the press conference afterward.
…I know, Dana says a lot of stuff. But I think it bears mentioning that this was a decision that drew “Dana Rage” back in the day.
Marquardt commits fatalities
BJ commits Babalities.
"I’m sorry. I didn’t drink last night, so I’m not funny today."
-Sakuraba
Cleary the lesson to be learned here...
is that Kenny Florian had the best approach (at least in terms of self-preservation)- push Penn up against the cage, feebly cling to a single leg, and avoid as many exchanges as possible.
I’m not a fan of BJ Penn- the dog and pony show after St. Pierre beat him down was an embarrassment to his name. But when you can’t think of anyone in his proper weight class who could give him a competitive fight, nevermind beat him, you know you’re watching something special.
I know what you mean, but...
Kenny Florian’s approach was what I would use if I were in a fight with BJ Penn— run the fuck away / ask the ref (or cops) to intercede / otherwise avoid fighting.
I mean, it is the safest thing to do, but he’s a professional fighter not a professional runner/hugger/dancer
Shit, I'd just bring a bat and a gun
…and a dog and a grenade and pepper spray….
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ.
I blog at TangleBones - you should follow me on Twitter here.
by jemaleddin on Dec 16, 2009 7:01 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
That 4th pic is CRAZY
Damn when B.J fights at LW he’s a beast. Just look at the whoopin’s he’s put on people. The look on Diegos and Stevensons faces are that of broken men.
The Prodigy
is such a fitting name for him. Exceeded all expectations.
I am. I think. I will. - Ayn Rand
*in Smokey/Ice Cube from Friday voice* DAMNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
forget “Murderers’ Row” more like “Murdered Row”
"Let's kick some names and take some a$$"
by StayGoldLikeFlair on Dec 15, 2009 7:38 PM EST reply actions
So Florian was lucky — that’s the message here?
I’m still astounded that one kick could open up someone’s face like that.
Personally, I’m astounded that BJ’s skin is like steel. The dude just doesn’t bleed no matter how much you hit him.
I love me some Sexyama!
before the kick, Sanchez’s face was already soft due to the beating it was receiving. Penn’s shin just laid the final bow.
I am. I think. I will. - Ayn Rand
My explanation would be that Penn’s shin landed right on where the frontal bone and the temporal bone join together. At least on my skull, I have a ridge right above my eye where DIegos cut was the widest. I think the cut opened up so big because of a combination of the edge of the shin, which is also sharp, landed on a bony ridge on Diego’s skull and just sheared though the skin. .
and yet...here it is
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by Brent Brookhouse on Dec 15, 2009 10:03 PM EST up reply actions
I don't know
Looks computer animated to me.
"I’m sorry. I didn’t drink last night, so I’m not funny today."
-Sakuraba
by Blackout612 on Dec 16, 2009 12:33 AM EST up reply actions
it…never…ends….
"The greatest enemy will hide in the last place you would ever look." - Revolver
by flyingkneetoface on Dec 16, 2009 8:11 AM EST up reply actions
Florian is the 2nd best LW in the world simply because he wasn’t crying blood after the loss.
Keep firing Assholes!
Fedor has accomplished nothing until he fights Kimbo.
by Ubernoober on Dec 15, 2009 7:40 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Florian wasnt messed up because he wouldn’t fight.
by mmalogic on Dec 16, 2009 2:39 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Truth.
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ.
I blog at TangleBones - you should follow me on Twitter here.
Those pictures are all the evidence one needs to prove just how dominant he is at LW. He is an absolute beast. But at WW, it’s a different story. I don’t really see him doing the same thing to Fitch, Alves or Kos. He definitely has a chance to beat them, but he probably won’t be the destroyer that he is at LW.
I love me some Sexyama!
It would be interesting for comparison’s sake to see BJ’s post fight pictures. In most of his fights he’s not taking much damage but even in the second GSP fight where GSP looked like he had broken Penn’s nose with that superman punch and absolutely smashed Penn’s face again and again (especially in the second round) Penn still barely looked worse for wear. Another of his talents may be that he doesn’t show much damage even when he’s getting his ass handed to him – he simply doesn’t swell up much and has a small nose.
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