'I'm ready to die. I'm going to beat you:' Exclusive conversation with UFC lightweight champion BJ Penn
by Penny Buffington on Jan 2, 2009 7:28 AM EST
117 comments
UFC 94: "St. Pierre vs. Penn 2,″ the blockbuster Super Bowl weekend UFC pay-per-view (PPV) event, features the welterweight superfight between former 170-pound champion and current lightweight kingpin BJ Penn versus reigning welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre.
It's the rematch mixed martial arts fans have been demanding for over two years.
Penn and St. Pierre have already met inside the Octagon at UFC 58: "USA vs. Canada" in 2006, which resulted in a controversial split decision win for St. Pierre. "The Prodigy" brutalized "Rush" for much of the first round, but then he stormed back and hung on in the final two frames to get the winning nod.
Most at the time felt at the very least it should have been a draw because of the lopsided opening stanza; however, the judges ringside did not agree. Regardless, it was a great fight and the encore will likely be even better since both fighters have improved significantly over time.
And that’s a scary thing to say – these are two of the most gifted pound-for-pound talents in the sport going up against one another in the prime of their careers. Its historical significance cannot be overstated.
BJ Penn appreciates that significance, and also understands that he'll be fighting a much more evolved St. Pierre on January 31. That understanding has helped him stay focused during training camp for what he hopes will be the biggest - and perhaps most definitive win of his career.
"I’m coming in, in great shape. I’m going to be real strong and real fast and in great condition. I've got a lot of stuff I'm going to come after him with. I’m going to try to knock him out. I’m going to try to slam him on his head. I’ve got no secrets. I’m just going to go out there and grind this thing out and I’m going to win this fight."
One of the biggest criticisms of BJ's past has been his apparent lack of preparation for big fights. Conditioning issues may have gotten the better of him in his first fight with St. Pierre as well as his second fight with Matt Hughes.
Penn seemingly exorcised those demons with a successful transition to lightweight, where he's won three straight, including a dominant performance over Sean Sherk at UFC 84 to win the 155lb strap. Still, Penn knows there are no guarantees upon returning to the welterweight division.
"George is a real athletic guy so you've got to be smart out there. You've got to be thinking, weighing everything out as the fight is going. I’m training five hours a day. I’m training really hard for three hours in the morning, two hours at night. I’m just going full blast. I do 12 rounds a day. I do calisthenics, running and sprints, eating healthy food and honestly? I could fight right now. I could fight right now, today. I’m ready to go!"
Georges St. Pierre also had his share of hiccups en route to the division title. "Rush" was seeing a therapist at one point to help him deal with confidence issues and pre-fight anxiety that stemmed from his meteoric rise to the top. Like Penn, he seems to have put his issues behind him.
"I don’t know if he's worried. Everybody is talking about him, whether he's nervous for this fight or if he's taking it light or what. I’m sure he knows that I’ve got some skills that I’m bringing to the table. But you never know, fighters, they get too confident sometimes."
Confidence - or perhaps overconfidence - is something Penn has been asked about before with his constant switch between weight classes earlier in his career. BJ has gone on record in the past about unifying multiple titles within the UFC, but he appears to be grounded coming into this fight.
"That's not even in my mind right now. I said a few years ago it would be great if I could be the 155-pound champ, 170-pound champ and 185-pound champion, but I’m just concentrating right now on this fight. I want to thank all the fans for supporting me and all the fans that support the sport period. Thank you very much. I also want to thank BJPenn.com and thank RVCA and Cage Fighter and Troy "Rude Boy" Mandaloniz."
BJ Penn is headed for a night unlike any other in UFC history. His rematch with Georges St. Pierre, if it indeed lives up to expectations, could go down as one of the greatest fights of all time. The Prodigy is ready to do his share, and has a little message for his opponent on January 31:
"Don’t take this thing lightly. This isn’t a joke. I’m going to come full blast and say, I’m ready to die. I'm going to beat you."
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penn is very confident,im a big fan of both fighters but personally i hope bj wins so they can have a third fight..
by faithn7th on Jan 2, 2009 7:31 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Good call. I know it’s early to say, but that might actually be a rubber match worth watching.
by Kansas on Jan 2, 2009 7:43 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hell yea it would be, they both will be a ton better after facing eachother again (not to mention the other fights they would go through before they faught a 3rd time adding to their resume of experience) The rubber will be an epic, i dont doubt it for a second, unless one of them looks like a Matt Serra in his rematch with St Pierre in this next fight, then there is no need for a rubber. BJ BJ BJ!!!
by ( (AdamG ) ) on Jan 2, 2009 10:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not impress with his stretchy leg. Wish this fight would happen already
by Punch You in the Ovaries on Jan 2, 2009 11:15 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I really do not see BJ losing this fight! BJ! BJ! BJ! BJ!
What up Adam G!
by john on Jan 2, 2009 11:59 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
What up bro, Less than a month, am i dreaming, can someone punch me in the gut or something, is this real, i cant wait!!! BJ BJ BJ BJ BJ BJ BJ!!!!
by ( (AdamG ) ) on Jan 2, 2009 12:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
This will be lop-sided, and it will get ugly. There will not be need for a rubber match, greg jackson will make sure of that. GSP
by NameNotRequired on Jan 2, 2009 12:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
This tank is gassed up and taking on all comers, next stop, Vegas. BJ BJ BJ!!!
by ( (AdamG ) ) on Jan 2, 2009 12:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Greg Jackson Shmeg Shmackson! We dont need no stinkin badges!! BJ BJ BJ!!!
by ( (AdamG ) ) on Jan 2, 2009 12:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
LMAO!! BJ
by --utaptout-- AKA..."The Prodigy's" 4th biggest hugger on Jan 2, 2009 12:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
has anyone else watched their first fight recently. i have, and the first round was not as dominant as everyone seems to remembar. Gsp got poked in the eye in the first min of the round causing impared vision and bleeding. i agree BJ won the round but it was not as dominant as people remember. GSP landed close to as many punches and he landed some leg kicks. GSP without a doubt won the second and third rounds winning both the standup and with takedowns and control. don’t have to take my word for it, just watch the fight again (turn the volume off so you aren’t listening to Rogan (no 1 BJ nuthugger).
As for the second fight, GSP by referee stoppage (Gn’P)4th or 5th round. BJ is a great fighter but GSP is as good or better, is much bigger and has better cardio. BJ can’t keep GSP’s pace for 5 rounds and he won’t finish GSP by submission. BJ has the power to TKO GSP but i don’t think that it will happen (don’t forget the only time GSP got dropped is by Serra and that started with a punch to the back of the head). GSP can control where the fight takes place and will prove to everyone that he is the better fighter. BJ will go back to lightweight and hold the title for a long time and say he had an off night just like everyone else that loses to GSP does.
by bullsh*t on Jan 2, 2009 8:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
lol seriously, “BJ brutalized GSP” what fight were you guys watching? besides the blood coming from his nose id say it was a dead even round, and the next two clearly went to GSP, more takedowns, more strikes thrown… dont understand what all the controversy is about
by brendan on Jan 2, 2009 9:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I WATCHED THE FIGHT 3 TIMES EVERY TIME I WATCHED IT I THOUGHT BJ SHOULD HAVE WON & I’M A FAN OF BOTH, NOW GSP HAS GOT EVEN MORE WELL ROUNDED BUT BJ IS NOW TAKING THE UFC & HIS JOB SERIOUS I’M GOING FOR BJ BUT NOT COUNTING OUT GSP EVEN AFTER MATT S. (NO NAME) BEAT HIM I THINK HE HAD ISSUES
by JC on Jan 13, 2009 6:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I like Penn and I think he is tougher than GSP. For example pre-fight rituals: Penn punches his own face, GSP pinches his nipples. I see a war with Penn on top.
by MrFyer on Jan 2, 2009 8:16 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
dont forget his vertical spit mist move and the kangaroo jump. when george wins he does a backflip and never lands it or he break dances. bj just licks blood off of his gloves! PRODIGYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!
by jonsey on Jan 2, 2009 11:03 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
BJ destroyed GSP in the first round of their first fight. GSP’s face was a mess, but he hung in there and won the fight. That’s pretty damn tough to me. I couldn’t care less about what they do before the fight.
I’m a fan of both. I hope they both have great showings and put on one hell of a fight.
by R-Dizzle on Jan 2, 2009 11:07 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed R-Dizzle, I hope this is a war and I hope its fight of the year. I love watching both of these fighters but I’m pulling for GSP. He’s a very classy champion.
by brac on Jan 2, 2009 5:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The only upside to Penn winning in my opinion is that we would get to see Penn vs. St. Pierre III. I like BJ a lot, but I don’t like the idea of any fighter taking on 2 UFC belts at once. On a good year, a champ will defend his UFC belt about 3 times, so Penn would have to fight 6 times in one year to keep up that pace. Since Penn is averaging less than 3 fights per year, this is going to leave one of his belts in limbo for awhile…and there are currently multiple legitimate contenders for both belts! I’ll be rooting for GSP, only because his win will not tie up 2 UFC titles and will allow for more title fights in 2009.
by BigFatManiac on Jan 2, 2009 8:18 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I also don’t like the timing of this, because if BJ loses, it really undercuts the dispute between the best WW and best LWs.
If BJ loses this, how does he justify it in his head? “Well, at least I’ll be second best?”
BJ has peaked, whereas I feel that GSP still has more time to mature. A loss for BJ would be nothing short of devastating, not only to his self-perception of his destiny as the best P4P fighter to ever grace the sport of MMA, but also to the other LWs, especially if they go on to lose to BJ when he cuts back down.
BJ needs to win this fight. It’s not only his legacy he’s fighting for. It’s the entire LW division’s.
by BAH-TEE-STAH! BAH-TEE-STAH! on Jan 2, 2009 8:22 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree whole heartedly with BIGFATMANIAC. i would hate to see two belts get tied up because of an ego. I know both of these fighters are phenomenal but if BJ is not willing to step up to the plate and start defending the titles if he wins then we the fans are the one who are going to lose.
by InsaneConker on Jan 2, 2009 8:32 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
hey bfm, have you noticed there have been only 2, i repeat 2 lhw championship fights in the last 15 months. and dana says it is the most hotly contested division. it should be but since chucky lost the belt we have an eternity between title matches. page defended 2 time in a year and then it took 6 months for forrest to get to defend it.
by Buttcrack Obama bin Laden on Jan 2, 2009 8:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m a huge BJ fan, but I really can’t see him winning this… I’ll be pulling for him, no doubt, but FIVE ROUNDS against GSP, who’s an extremely good wrestler and conditioned athlete?
I don’t know, but like all of you, I’m hoping BJ takes this, preferably by KO or sub, ‘cause he damn sure ain’t winning a decision.
by BAH-TEE-STAH! BAH-TEE-STAH! on Jan 2, 2009 8:18 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
No offense, but the Q&A interviews are much better.
by the_mexicutioner on Jan 2, 2009 8:26 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Agreed. It seems like this interview was done while BJ was running to his car or something.
Still nice to see Mania getting an exclusive interview, though.
by R-Dizzle on Jan 2, 2009 11:09 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
how is this from an exclusive conversation?
i heard a recent interview and he says these EXACT quotes. Hmmmm.
by Colin on Jan 2, 2009 8:37 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I have to tell you I’m not a big fan of the “ready to die in there” bullshit. Sorry. Don’t believe it.
by Adam T. on Jan 2, 2009 9:06 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
im sure bj would find it more honorable to die than to have the fight go down the way it did last time.
by jonsey on Jan 2, 2009 11:07 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Like everyone else, I’m a fan of both fighters/warriors! However lets really take a closer look. BJ is very talented on the ground (we all know that) and his striking is as precision as ginsu knives not too mention he has a head the size of a bowling ball BUT he doesn’t posses KNOCK OUT power and I don’t care what he or anyone else says his conditioning will NOT be as good as GSP!
GSP is a BJJ black belt however lacks the experience compared to BJ. GSP’s advantage will be his STRENGTH, QUICKNESS AND CONDITIONING! He will be too much for BJ.
As much as BJ is motivated for this fight to avenge the controversial loss, GSP equally would like to put BJ on a hightlight reel!
Look to GSP to take BJ on the ground and either TKO or submit him, BUT make no mistake…GSP will FINISH PENN!
by OverRatedBJ on Jan 2, 2009 9:27 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Things to consider:
-The Sherk that BJ beat was not the one I saw against Franca; BJ beat an unroided Sherk.
-I know that styles make fights, but I believe the beat down that GSP put on a pre sanctioned Sherk was rather violent and more impressive than BJ’s experience with the same fighter.
- GSP’s arms and legs afford him a greater distance than he enjoyed with a short armed Sherk.
- BJ did cut open and dominated Joe S.. However, Florian took out Joe S more efficiently.
This is my opinion, and anything can happen, but I am not so sure you can rest all your chips on Penn based on BJ’s last two fights.
by TapedUpPair on Jan 2, 2009 10:08 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hughes beat GSP in a round, it took Hughes 3 rounds after losing the first 2 rounds to beat BJ Penn and BJ was out of shape with a broken rib. BJ Penn not only also beat Hughes in one round (faster than GSP ever did) but he did that when he was also out of shape, Hughes was in his prime, and BJ isnt a nat 170er. Compare a champ like Hughes since they both faught him, not a chump like Sherk that uses performance enhancing drugs which even by your count makes him a different fighter so how can you really compare the fights with Sean, i mean they werent even faught in the same weight classes and one was for a title and one wasnt. Plus the reach, size, weight, height, and power advantages GSP has cause he is a nat 170er while Sherk and BJ are nat 155ers. Please dude, come on, ive been reading your BS for the past week or so “TapedUpPair” and ive been waiting to call you on your bogus Penn/GSP knowledge but waited for you to really put your foot in your mouth to do so, seemed effective, no? Consider that. BJ BJ BJ!!!
by ( (AdamG ) ) on Jan 2, 2009 10:50 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks Man – that was cool. I needed a good whooping. I think GSP has evolved unlike say, Liddell or in this case, Hughes. Hence, I think the comparison that you and others are asking me to consider are some what dated and inappropriate. If anything you would have to say GSP would dominate Sherk even more than he did many years ago. I stand by my opinions all though the different weight classes should be considered. What are you thoughts about Silva fighting Franklin at 205 either for a title or just for a fun three rounder?
Peace Bro – I need to go and get the sand out of my Vag.
by TapedUpPair on Jan 2, 2009 12:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
LoL, Maybe you could compare how GSP would do with less energy from the cut down to 155 himself to fight Sherk where Sherk is at his best and his fastest and his most powerfull like Penn did. Compare that and get back to me, take some of GSPs advantages away and see how he does. BJ more often than not gives away all his possible advantages to his opponent, like when he did against GSP, and almost beat him, right?
Lets bottom line it;
who won the fight = GSP.
Who got there *ss kicked = GSP.
by ( (AdamG ) ) on Jan 2, 2009 12:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
WOW, YOU KIDS GET DUMBER AND DUMBER BY THE MINUTE ON THIS SITE! ANY TRUE MMA KNOWLEDGEABLE PERSON UNDERSTANDS THAT GSP HANDLED BABY JAY PENN VERY EASILY IN ROUNDS 2 AND 3, AND ALSO UNDERSTANDS THAT HE WOULD HAVE DONE EXACTLY THE SAME THING IN ROUND 1 HAD BABY J PENN NOT GOUGED GSPs EYES CAUSE HE WAS FIGHTING GSP LIKE THE SCARED BITCH HE IS WHEN HE LOOKS OVER AT ST PIERRE! NOW GO ROLL UNDER TRAFFIC ASSHOLE!
by G.S.P.P4P.CHAMP!!! on Jan 5, 2009 11:41 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
MMA math does not work.
I can’t believe you’re comparing GSP’s fight with Sherk at 170 from forever ago – with BJ’s most recent performance against him.
And BJ fought the same Sherk that Franca did. It’s not like Sherk was using a needle. For what ever reason Sherk decided to stand with BJ, while in his fight with Franca he was consistently looking for the takedown. And once he got the takedown, he laid on him and didn’t do much damage.
DO NOT USE MMA MATH, KIDS!!
by R-Dizzle on Jan 2, 2009 11:14 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I am at work and need to be brief. MMA math, as you point out, does not work. However, one can look at the evolution or trajectory of a fighter and use reason. It is not perfect but if you dont use fight history and common sense you are using blind luck. Some call educated guesses Hypothesis. They are educated guesses. Dont be afraid to use your brain, others will thank you, and some might even consider you an adult.
Peace Bro -
by TapedUpPair on Jan 2, 2009 12:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Well put on the subject of MMA math Taped, well put.
by ( (AdamG ) ) on Jan 2, 2009 12:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Ditto. What? Did I just agree with AdamG? lol.
by Gord on Jan 2, 2009 2:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Say wha!?! ok, who stole Gords screen name?? Huh? Who? I want answers!! MANIA chack into this matter ASAP! BJ BJ BJ!!!
by ( (AdamG ) ) on Jan 2, 2009 3:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
On 2nd thought, MANIA why dont you “chEck” on that matter instead bro, muchos gracias mi amigo!
by ( (AdamG ) ) on Jan 2, 2009 3:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The Sherk that fought Franca was the same as the one that fought BJ. The difference is, that BJ can defend Sherk’s takedown, and Hermes can’t. BJ forced a standup fight. Sherk tried for two TD’s and he didn’t even come close. He took Sherk out fo his element, and beat him. Plain and simple.
by --utaptout-- AKA..."The Prodigy's" 4th biggest hugger on Jan 2, 2009 1:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Well said OverRatedBJ, I think this is a very realistic view of the fight. A lot of guys will laugh at the thought of GSP subbing BJ, but it’s not out of the question if you consider how fast GSP picks up new skills. After only 6 months most of the olimpic wrestling team couldn’t handle GSP. Look how fast he got his BB in BJJ. I couldn’t help but notice in every interview regarding training in Brazil,GSP had a shit eating grin from ear to ear. Who knows, maybe this confidence comes from GSP consistently slapping a sub on his teachers. He definitely has something up his sleeve and I’m sure we will see some new tricks from the ever improving GSP. I’m not saying he will sub a fresh BJ, but like a smart man once said, “If you punch a BB in the face enough times or gas him, he is no longer a BB”. I see BJ’s chance of winning somewhere between minutely small and nonexistent.
by Gord on Jan 2, 2009 2:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
After he was giving Hughes a serious beating and then lost the fight beacuse of a cracked rib, you did not see him giving up even though Hughes was pounding his face into the canvas. He may not die in there but you could imagine that he has the balls to get pretty close.
by Ade on Jan 2, 2009 9:30 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
After he cracked his rib he became a punching bag for Hughes which made Hughes standup look pretty pathetic because he still couldn’t knock BJ off his feet. Hughes couldn’t bust a grape with any strike on the feet. I know BJ is awesome (at LW) and tough as hell, I just don’t like him saying something that everyone knows will not happen. If there wasn’t a ref in there to stop GSP from ground and pounding his ass into a coma, HE WOULD FRIGGIN DIE.
by Adam T. on Jan 2, 2009 9:47 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It’s not likely, but blunt force trauma to the head can result in death/brain damage, the reality of this is that even though statistically it isn’t likely to occur, everyone that steps in is taking that risk. And here’s your example:
“chron.com — Houston mixed martial artist Sam Vasquez died Friday, more than five weeks after he was critically injured in a bout. Vasquez is the first mixed martial arts fighter to die after suffering injuries in a sanctioned bout. Vasquez was hospitalized after being knocked out in the third round of a fight.”
It’s an accepted risk, and it’s a rarity, but it DOES happen. When Penn says he’s ready to die, or that he would go that far to win; who knows, maybe he is. No one’s inside his head to know his thoughts, so there’s really no telling how far a person will go to win. Thats my 2 cents.
by O Damn he got caught on Jan 2, 2009 10:41 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Thats the closest ive ever seen someone come to being a “dead man walking” in the octagon, but no verbal tap to a ref that was right in his face (and the best, Big John) no nothing, he shouldnt have even gotten off his stool for the 3rd round let alone lift his hands in an attempt to fight one of the greatest fighters of all time who had just previously beaten Charutto, Trigg, GSP, and Gracie, dude is CRAZY!!! BJ BJ BJ!!!
by ( (AdamG ) ) on Jan 2, 2009 11:39 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
As I understand it if BJ wins he will be the 170 champ and give up the 155 belt. If GSP wins he will fight Anderson next UFC will not want to risk GSP losing to Thiago Alves. If Penn wins he will face Thiago next.
by hatteras on Jan 2, 2009 9:36 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
1. BJ cannot and will not beat GSP.
2. There are some very good fights for BJ at lightweight. Florian, Diego and IMO Nate Diaz are the three that come to mind.
3. As much as I like GSP (and Penn believe it or not) I don’t want to see either of them face Anderson Silva. GSP would get the shit kicked out of him. Neither one have the size, reach or strength to deal with Anderson and it would be a waste of Anderson’s time.
by Adam T. on Jan 2, 2009 10:02 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Anderson Silva is NOT unbeatable,nobody is someone just needs a good gameplan against him, probably a good ground game plan
by vince on Jan 2, 2009 1:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, probably a great wrestler with exellent top control who can get the fight to the ground before taking any damage. If Nate can take Silva down that fast, GSP certainly can also. GSP can’t eat the leather that Cote did though, or it will be a short night.
by Gord on Jan 2, 2009 2:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Wrong. If and when GSP wins he will fight Thiago next, and if he beats Thiago then he will fight Silva most likely at the end of the year UFC.
by Jake on Jan 2, 2009 10:05 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
When GSP wins he will probably fight Thiago at UFC 100 which would be a long layoff for Thiago. I never said that he wouldn’t fight Anderson Silva. I just think that it is a mismatch and would rather see Anderson fight at 205 and be tested. GSP would get brutalized and I am a big fan of him, but that’s my honest opinion.
by Adam T. on Jan 2, 2009 10:14 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Jeez, it’s too early in the New Year for this type of crap. Pull your head out of your ass and try your post again.
by Graham on Jan 2, 2009 10:23 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
So what happens if BJ does win this fight? Does GSP get an automatic rematch or does he have to work his way back up the ladder like last time? It seems like if BJ does win, the 170lb. and 155lb. classes will be almost come to a stand still because BJ would have at least 5-6 months between title defenses. I definitely want this fight to happen and all, but this seems like this really screws over potential title contenders. Ex.) Thiago Alves, Kenny Florian, Fitch,…
by DaneJa!260 on Jan 2, 2009 10:10 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
BJ BJ BJ!!! FULL BLAST! The best Penn you guys have ever seen or even imagined seeing, live, in person, fighting the guy he wants to fight the most on the entire planet! Time to make his “Ali” like moment on the sport, outsmarting George St Pierre will be BJ Penns greatest accomplishment . . .Til he outsmarts Anderson Silva = ) BJ BJ BJ!!!
by ( (AdamG ) ) on Jan 2, 2009 10:28 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
BJ fought Machida the 205er but some people are saying he cant fight Silva? Come on, BJ might not win against Silva, but I’da say he would give Anderson a run for his money. BJ is tough as nails and never been KO’d. But if he faced Silva, it could be his first time getting knocked out lol.
by Chadx23 on Jan 2, 2009 10:54 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i think even anderson silva would be more apprehensive about taking a fight with bj than a fight with gsp. i hope someone asks him that question soon.
by jonsey on Jan 2, 2009 11:14 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
They did and he is. Ill post the interview from youtube again in this thread in a minute bro to see it yourself.
by ( (AdamG ) ) on Jan 2, 2009 11:40 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Here it is; Ando on the best P4P, and it aint GSP.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wW9h92rnjRs
by ( (AdamG ) ) on Jan 2, 2009 11:42 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
ive seen that a few times. i want to hear anderson say who would give him a better fight not who is a better fighter p4p but i already know the answer.
by jonsey on Jan 2, 2009 11:57 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think they would both give him the same amount of “a fight”, GSP would show Ando some of his stand-up and Ando would return the favor. Whil BJ would show Ando his impressive ground and then again, Ando would im sure, return the favor. Unfortunitly my fav fighter is the smallest on the P4P list and should have the least fight options but since he is crazy like a fox you just never know, and i love it! BJ BJ BJ!!!
by ( (AdamG ) ) on Jan 2, 2009 12:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Adam I thought you kept on top of the latest videos better than that. That video must be old, because Anderson has obviously changed his mind. Check out the video in the topic before this one. The interviewer said he asked Silva who the best P4P was and he said,“GSP,he’s amazing”.
by Gord on Jan 2, 2009 3:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Now its to market a possible fight, thats BS, in this vid he was caught off gaurd and cornered for an answer on cam. He doesnt even blink at the thought of GSP, puts him with Fedor as an instant “neh” but Penn brings a smile to his face with a maybe, cause he knows man, come on. And this isnt an old enough vid for a fight to be faught since it was made, both Sher and Fitch were before it so whay would he change his mind all of the sudden? Its in case GSP wins to set up a future fight, its BS, that was ANdo uncut. BJ BJ BJ!!!
by ( (AdamG ) ) on Jan 2, 2009 3:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Now I get it. If Silva makes a statement that supports your argument then it is true, but if he says something that refutes your argument, then it is false. OK then.
by Gord on Jan 2, 2009 3:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Ok, lets agree that he think s both are great, he did say that right, never said anything bad about either one right, done. Who ever gets the shot, i hope one of them kicks his extra tall black *ss! This guys fighting the Nate Marquarts James Irvins of the world while these guys are fighting each other! BJ GSP BJ GSP BJ GSP!!!
by ( (AdamG ) ) on Jan 2, 2009 5:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
silva would annihilate bj penn. gsp im not so sure , penn isnt a pushover, but i think georges takes it by GnP.
by JakeAnd on Jan 2, 2009 11:17 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
and it’s ok to be wrong and you seem to not mind it when you are.
by jonsey on Jan 2, 2009 11:29 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Jake isn’t wrong. GSP will ground and pound BJ back into Kenny Florian’s arms. And I highly doubt that Anderson Silva is very worried about either GSP or Penn.
He’d beat the shit out of either one of them.
by Adam T. on Jan 2, 2009 11:33 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Even Silva is apprehensive on the subject of BJ Penn in that video interview i just posted above, meanwhile he shruggs off the thought of GSP like Penn shrugging off a Sean Sherk takedown attempt. Ando knows it, BJ knows it and and MMA optimist hopes for it, to determine the best P4P, these 2 along with a small handful of others need to compete and solve this problem, if they cant compete then know it and live with it. Too bad BJ isnt that type of guy, anytime anywhere. He doesnt just say that to be cool ya know, id think the Renzo Gracie fight at 185, the Machida fight at HVWT (206+, not 205-), the Rodrigo Gracie fight at 185, or the first GSP fight when he comes in against what we now know is a P4Per and is out of shape and underestimating him by not training probably at all and still gave him the best run for his money to date would illustrate this fact. (Not to mention when he moved up to fight Hughes in his prime with NO tune up fights at 170 which he went on to win in one round while out of shape and out of his weight class against a champion putting it in a stretch of wins over Gomi, Ludwig, and Rodrido Gracie making 4 in a row spanning 3 weight classes one of which he is still undefeated in, 185) BJ BJ BJ!!!
by ( (AdamG ) ) on Jan 2, 2009 11:53 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
if bj cant fight anderson but randy can fight brock how is that fair? if bj wins gsp decisively and dana won’t let him fight anderson than i want to see anderson fight machida and see how that one pans out for the sake of comparison.
by jonsey on Jan 2, 2009 12:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I have to say, the more I watch BJ Penn do this “Raah! Me warrior! Me ready to die! Me lick up your fluids now!” thing, the less I like him.
I guess he needs it to get into the right frame of mind, or something, but to me it makes you sound like a caricature of a professional fighter.
I can only stand this sort of thing when the fighter has a sense of humor about it, like Rampage – and even then, only barely. Leave the “outrageous” personas to pro wrestlers.
by MattNY on Jan 2, 2009 11:33 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Does anyone here not remember the eye poke in the first fight!!
Bj purposely “thumbed” GSP in the eye to get an advantage or else that first round would have been alot closer. Anyone tryed fighting blind before? Think about that! Gsp in three!!
by vince on Jan 2, 2009 12:32 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Sh*t happens, spilt milk, get over it. He through a combo and hit GSP on the first punch of the combo and nothing else, but yea, a planed “thumbing” but done while flaling out a combo that he missed with on 75% of what he through, right. Its a fight. Its a fight. Its a fight. Its an excuse for having a bad round, its lame sincehe won anyways, its bad taste to accuse a P4Per of dirty tactics when he has beat so many great fighters with no controversy or “pokes”. Omly when Rogan says “poke” do you buy it, Rogan also says “knuckle” but i guess you dont hear him huh, what about the ref not stopping the fight, what about the perfect uppercut, the uppertcut didnt happen huh, just an eye poke and and BJs a cheater now huh?
by ( (AdamG ) ) on Jan 2, 2009 12:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Ok bud whatever you say, I guess there should be no rules and the fighters should pull hair and kick balls and bite eachother and all that cause according to you “its a fight”.
I wish I could see your face when Penn loses…..AGAIN!
by vince on Jan 2, 2009 1:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Dont feel bad bro, no one will ever see that face again, ever. BJ BJ BJ!!!
by ( (AdamG ) ) on Jan 2, 2009 1:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
We will see your ugly depressed face on Jan. 31
by vince on Jan 2, 2009 1:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Nah, youll see me on here Jan 2nd though, CLOWNIN SUCKAS LIKE YOURSELF! And long time foes like Gord, PJJ, and Hardcharger. Those 3 guys cant wait to see the same face as you all sad for a couple years now but still my cheeks are dry. I wish i could see ALL your faces when you realize you wont be seeing mine sad, should be around 9:30pm PST on Jan 1st so ill try to think of you with my smile on. BJ BJ BJ!!!
by ( (AdamG ) ) on Jan 2, 2009 1:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
why did george let himself get poked in the eye?
by Kdog on Jan 3, 2009 6:09 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah I remember that, but do you remember that thumbs accidently hit the eye almost every fight. GSP poked Hughes bad in their second fight, so I guess GSP uses it too.
by Parks on Jan 2, 2009 1:05 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Nah Hughes is a pussy , he looks for any way to take a break, the difference is that Hughes was smart about it, he backed away and got the refs attention and took a break got his vision back, GSP kept fighting….BLIND!
by vince on Jan 2, 2009 1:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
What about the “n*t shots” GSP gave Hughes, plus a poke of his own. And Lidell pokes Tito in one of his fights and it lead to the W KO style. Its a fight. BJ BJ BJ!!!
by ( (AdamG ) ) on Jan 2, 2009 1:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
hey adamg what do you do just hang around this site all day? I think you need a life
by vince on Jan 2, 2009 1:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Adam see above comment, Hughes is a pussy who knows how to get a break when he is getting owned. Watch the replay at the very worst GSP’s toes tickled Matt’s nut sack. It was clearly to the thigh and Matt’s hands even went down to his thigh, not his nuts. Even the comentators were wary that such a slight grazing could hurt matt’s pee pee. With Trigg it was real and with GSP it was acting.
by Gord on Jan 2, 2009 3:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You guys amuse me. Eye poke, eye jab…who cares, I highly doubt any fighter intends to poke another in the eye it just happens, a lot, its the gloves. The excuse of penn being out of shape a lot is getting old, its like every time he loses its because he was “out of shape”, sorry to say this to the penn fans but can you say sore loser? Cardio is part of fighting just as much as technique and if you watch penns interview before his first fight with gsp his trainer says penn is in great shape and I believe he said he’s never been better, so then he loses and its because he didn’t prepare himself? You can’t have your cake and eat it too. A fighter could be in good shape for himself and gas for a few reasons, a huge adrenline dump, going crazy in the first round winding himself, the opponent being much stronger tiring the fighter out or all three. I think gsp gassed himself a bit after his first round with fitch trying really hard to finish him, and I think it showed in the second round, but came back and won convincingly. Penn would be better off IMO not talking so much because if he loses badly or just loses, I’m pretty sure he’ll feel like hiding under a rock for a good while. Gsp is more humble saying things like I feel very confident, I’m a better fighter than him but its not the better fighter who wins its the fighter who fights the best that night, so true. He also said he isn’t going to promise he’ll never lose again just that he’ll bring his A game, all any fighter can do. I really hope this fight doesn’t end in the first round where someone makes a stupid mistake, and goes at least past the third round so it lives up to the “iyp” :)
by nathan on Jan 2, 2009 3:12 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I agree Nathan, to excuse a loss due to poor cardio is no different than excusing a loss due to inferior striking or BJJ. Cardio is a fighting skill and a VERY important one at that. One can’t apply other skills when they are gassed.
by Gord on Jan 2, 2009 3:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Actually “cardio” and “skill” are just weapons that fighters arm themself with, similar to strength and speed. If a fighter feels that his “skill” is sufficient to win a fight why would he work his cardio? It wouldnt be necessary. But if a fighter wasn’t confident in his skill, then he would have to compensate for it in other areas like “cardio”——— This is not a knock on George. Just giving a possible answer for why BJ never worked on cardio earlier in his career.
by Kdog on Jan 3, 2009 6:17 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Ill bet you never hear that excuse from Penn fans again, and excuses can also be truths right? Why did GSP lose to Matt Serra/Hughes again?? Somebody tell me? And we have to bring it up because we are talking about the same 2 fights everytime, its not “every time he loses” like he just lost and this is something new dude, please. I havent had to say that BJ lost a fight due to cardio in nearly 3 years now bro. We are talking about a period in time. Thats like saying lets talk Jordan and not mentioning the fact that he left the sport for a couple years when a guy says he dint win more championships, whats that about, Jordan aint that great, Russel got more rings than him. Not an excuse, a fact, that was and is true, refering to a person at a certin point of time in their life, which was almost 3 years ago.
by ( (AdamG ) ) on Jan 2, 2009 5:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think BJ will win. The one thing that GSP has that BJ doesn’t is Greg Jackson. I personally think Jackson is the best coach in the business. His gameplans can put anyone in danger. BJ will still win!
by rctrue on Jan 2, 2009 3:16 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
“dropping gsp on his head?” LOL how’s penn going to do that he’s not fighting a 12 year old, where does he come up with such things?? Oh maybe he hasn’t forgot the last fight where gsp picked him up and slammed him, but not on his head LOL he wants revenge, I get it. Gsp out wrestles rashad evans who used to be a heavy weight and can hang with heavy weight olympic wrestlers, somehow I can’t see this happening.
by nathan on Jan 2, 2009 3:23 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I was thinking the same thing nat, i think Penn can do anything as much as the next Penn nuthugger but picking up Georges and slamming him on his head just isnt in the cards bro, not very realistic there but way to dream.
by ( (AdamG ) ) on Jan 2, 2009 3:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Never thought I’d see the day that AdamG says BJ cant do something!!!!!!!!! Your coming around. By Feb. you will realize BJ is just human. And that GSP is just a much more superior human than him!
by JV on Jan 2, 2009 4:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
A spades a spade. But do something that i cant even think of prefight, during or to win the fight, is something im sure BJ will probably do also. An elbow across the forehead for a bloody mess, a knee to the dome for the KO, trap both arms of his opponent with his legs from the back before he RNC’s another helpless victim, a common accidental eye poke while he peppers GSP with jabs and overhand rights, defend a takedown for en entire round maybe, be getting pounded on the ground and then reverse the situation with the greatest sweep from gaurd to take the back ive ever seen and turn that into some type of pure craziness of a sub attempt “from the backside over the top!” – Randy Couture. Yea, he might do something like that though . . . BJ BJ BJ!!!
by ( (AdamG ) ) on Jan 2, 2009 4:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
it is very unlikely. but i will never say never again because last week i posted frank mir will never knock out big nog.
by Buttcrack Obama bin Laden on Jan 2, 2009 9:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I hope after GSP distroys BJ that BJ will break into a cold sweat and have a seizer the next time he thinks about moving up in weight class!
by jet99 on Jan 2, 2009 3:29 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
GSP by KO 2nd round! BJ’s stand up is not as good as people make it seem, he doesnt mix it up all that great. He dominates the LW class becuase he has long as arms and a real good jab, he uses that alot alone to keep his oppenents out of striking range. Sherk had way better stand up and alot quicker hands in thier fight but just couldnt get in range to land because of BJ’s jab. (and his t-rex arms LOL)
by danny_c on Jan 2, 2009 3:31 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
i think gsp wins aclose fight, but what you just described is bj outboxed sherk. if you can’t get past a mans jab then your stand up is nowhere near way better than his. not tryin to make ya mad, just pointing out the irony of your post.
by Buttcrack Obama bin Laden on Jan 2, 2009 9:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
How about GSP by what ever he wants in round 4???
by JV on Jan 2, 2009 4:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
How about GSP, on a stretcher, around the same time round 4 should be happening . . . = )
by ( (AdamG ) ) on Jan 2, 2009 4:49 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
penn talk like this to motived him….but 31 jan he will face the real thing…there are both good fighter, but gsp..too strong, too fast and too much athetic for him…if gsp control his jam…penn have no chance…put poke in the eye of every fighter (ask this to anthony johnson)you will see double that why penn put a lot of damage in the first fight…but this time …be ready penn…it gonna hurt! ric from montreal (frenchy) canada :P
by ric on Jan 2, 2009 7:42 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Guessing how this fights ends is pretty pointless LOL nobody has a clue as to what will happen, if they could they’d be rich. I’ll give penn his credit, the only guy gsp has fought so far who was as good of a fighter as he was when he fought them. Gsp was better than serra and hughes he just got caught plain and simple, it happens. I actually agree with what most penn nut huggers say as well as the gsp nut huggers and think the truth is somewhere in the middle. This upcoming year will shed a lot of light on each of these guys skills and we’ll see how consistent they will be, only time will tell. Maybe something will happen in this fight that nobody has even thought of….Gsp arm barring penn, penn out wrestling gsp winning by lay and pray, one of the other fighters fainting, penn out lasting gsp and wearing him out to get the win, penn head kicking gsp for the ko LOL ya just never know. :)
by nathan on Jan 2, 2009 7:44 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Man I love both GSP n BJ. Both are so talented and train hard. I’m sure GSP has improved his mental game, how much so is the question. How much has BJ improved his cardio? Cant wait for this fight. This could easily be the fight of the decade.
by WayofTheWarrior on Jan 2, 2009 9:02 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Oh I forgot penn dropping gsp on his head, getting the KO ;)
by nathan on Jan 2, 2009 10:22 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
While I admit I have no clue how this fight ends, the more I think about it the more I can’t see penn winning for some reason. If I HAD to bet money on this fight I definitely would pick gsp but can’t decide if by decision or a tko, I really doubt he’ll sub penn. Gsp is a monster to control and penn is very slick off his back but gsp has top notch top control. Penn has IMO faster hands than gsp but gsp to me has more tools all around in striking and has far superior foot work, nobody can “andle is riddum”. If gsp wants penn down or to control him in the clinch he can and will. I REALLY don’t think a decision win favors penn and would be very shocked if he won it. Gsp isn’t all that easy to rock like a lot believe, he’s NEVER been rocked with an initial hit to the jaw, serra clipped him behind him ear which then unraveled from there. I’ve never seen penn get rocked either only tko’d by hughes the punches I don’t think were actually hurting him he just couldn’t improve his position so it had to be stopped. Man this fight is going to be interesting to see, can gsp rock penn or vise versa?. Can penn sub gsp without rocking him first? How will penns cardio hold up to gsp’s relentless pace he’ll he pushing penn at. Damn I wish this fight was this saturday.
by nathan on Jan 2, 2009 11:14 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
2 of my favorite fighters. I dont know how this one will go, I just feel as though we will see GSP on another level. Cant wait for this one more than any other, I hope its a 4 and a half round bloodbath that doesnt make it to a decision.
by the spyder on Jan 4, 2009 1:23 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
penn will need all the over-confidence he can make-up and STILL GSP WILL DOMINATE HIM! YOU WATCH IT HAPPEN KIDS!
by G.S.P.P4P.CHAMP!!! on Jan 5, 2009 11:37 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Love them both but I can’t see Georges beating BJ this time.
If Georges does win it’ll be in the last two rounds. BJ has more ways to win IMO.
by MaxOne on Jan 8, 2009 8:06 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Only if both fighters bring their “A” game this could be one of the greatest fights ever! But they also both have the skill to end it early by KO or taking advantage of the other guys mistake. Can’t wait…hell I can’t wait to see the Spike preview!! With out a doubt two of the top pound for pound fighters in the world.
by Beaver on Jan 12, 2009 1:42 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I admire BJ Penn, but GSP after 3 years is quicker and stronger. If BJ packed more muscle than he normally does because he had to, the extra weight will tire BJ in the late rounds. GSP will dominate 4 and 5 and win by TKO. That’s a fact
by willy on Jan 16, 2009 1:29 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Overrated BJ- my thoughts exactly. It’s nice to see that i’m not the only one who noticed these flaws of Bj’s as well as the theory of GSP highlightreeling of BJ. i really hope Gsp makes a statement out of Penn and shuts his big mouth.Alos to Adam G Get a life & stop hugging bj’s nuts chump. Hopefulyy your annoying mouth will shut itself after Penn gets his ass handed to him.
by Bullylover on Jan 16, 2009 8:58 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
BJ= OVERATED! Yes he has the skills at 155, he is the best at 155lb, BUT Gsp is just on abother level.
He could outbox him, his GnP is just awesome, BJ has BJJ and his takedown defence is second to almost none, but Georges he bigger, stronger, faster, trains harder and has more heart.
I can see Bj getting the 1st 2 rounds, making Georges bleed, but then he will gas as always, by round 4/5 he will be running on empty, GSP will take him down and GnP until the ref stops it.
It has the potential to be one of the greatest, and most talked about fights in history whoever wins.
Jus and afterthough,maybe if BJ concerntrated more on training that going on holiday (as shown in primetime last night) and keeping his fat mouth shut people may like him more. GSP all the waayyyyyy!
by Edz86 on Jan 30, 2009 9:59 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
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