'Flo' Job: An MMAmania.com UFC 101 interview exclusive with Kenny Florian
by Derek Bolender on Jul 26, 2009 12:43 PM EDT
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It's been roughly three years since Kenny Florian's first title shot in which he lost a bloody, five round battle to mixed martial arts veteran Sean Sherk at UFC 64.
Needless to say, a lot has changed since that juncture in his career.
Six consecutive victories over top lightweight contenders including Roger Huerta, Joe Stevenson, and Joe Lauzon and Florian once again finds himself in the familiar number one contender spot.
This time around, however, he's a little older and a little wiser -- and some may argue a completely revamped and weakness-free fighter.
Enter UFC lightweight champion BJ Penn, who will be looking to spoil Florian's quest to reach his ultimate goal to be a champion in his own right.
Will Florian be able to upset arguably the best lightweight fighter in the history of MMA? Or does Penn have something else in mind?
The Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, PA will play host to UFC 101 on August 8, where all unanswered questions will be resolved.
In the meantime, "KenFlo" took some time out of his busy schedule to discuss training with Georges St. Pierre, welcoming the underdog role, Diego Sanchez and the aforementioned "Prodigy."
Check it out:
Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): I want to start by going back to your UFC 64 fight with Sean Sherk. If you could go back right now and speak with that version of Kenny Florian what advice would you give yourself?
Kenny Florian: I think I did everything that I could have done for that fight at the time. My heart was there. Everything was there. I lacked the technical ability to really do well. The strength and conditioning aspect of it was not there at all. That's the main thing. The experience, the technique, and the physical aspect were lacking tremendously.
I was training hard but I was only training hard when I got a call for the fight. I wasn't training year round. I wasn't putting in all the effort. I lacked experience for obvious reasons. I tried to win that fight every second of every round. I never gave up. I was strong to the end and that really wasn't an issue.
The issue really was being able to hang on a technical and physical level with a guy like Sherk. Ever since that fight I have been putting in a tremendous amount of hours in my training year round. I've sacrificed more than anyone out there.
Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): It's been roughly nine months since your fight with Joe Stevenson at UFC 91. Does it seem like longer than that and how bad are you itching to just get back into the cage?
Kenny Florian: I'm definitely itching to get back into the cage. I've been preparing for a long time. It is what it is. I think it has been useful for my preparation for this fight. I actually had an opportunity to get my tonsils removed, which were infected for the last year really badly. I finally actually had the time to do it. I'm in better shape because of that. I'm healthier because of that. I've been able to work on a lot more skills because of it (the layoff) as well.
Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Everybody knows by now that you did some training up in Canada with Georges St. Pierre for you upcoming fight with BJ Penn. Did you decide to go up there to get help with a game plan since GSP just fought him or were you going simply to hone your overall skills?
Kenny Florian: Really I was there to hone my overall skills. I've been wanting to train with Georges St. Pierre and his camp for a long time now. I started working with Jonathan Chaimberg, his strength and conditioning coach. He's my new strength and conditioning coach. I've been working with him for the last three months in preparation for this fight. I got to work with Firas Zahaby as well who is a phenomenal trainer. And, of course, I got the chance to learn and spar and train with Georges St. Pierre.
Anytime you get the chance to train with one of the best pound-for-pound guys and feel that pressure and intensity in training it's going to help you grow as a fighter. Were there things we talked about with BJ? Yeah, there were things that I already knew, but as far as game planning, everybody is different. I'm a much different fighter than Georges St. Pierre. Some of the things he can do I'm not going to be able to do so I have to come up with a completely different game plan for BJ Penn.
Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Someone put a couple of video clips of BJ online recently. One of him jumping out of a pool and one where he puts his legs behind his head without using his hands. Are you impressed?
Kenny Florian: (laughs) It's good. That's good that he can do that. That's cool. He needs to be able to apply that with a sustained effort throughout the fight for it to be impressive. It's not really fight related stuff. If we fight in the pool and the game plan is to try to jump out of the pool without using your hands then maybe he has an edge. I haven't tried that before. We'll see if it's really applicable to this fight.
Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): I'm still waiting for the Kenny Florian parody with you jumping out of a kiddie pool or something?
Kenny Florian: (laughs) I was actually thinking about doing it.
Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): I'm hearing a lot of chatter on various forums about how you can't take BJ down, how you can't match his boxing, and on and on. I think you're officially the underdog at this point. Are you okay being the Rocky Balboa figure in this matchup?
Kenny Florian: 100%. I think I've been the underdog once or twice in my career so it's nothing new. That just puts more pressure on BJ, I think. For me, I just see it as a wonderful opportunity to test my skills. I'm confident I can get the job done. I think this is by far the biggest challenge of my career.
It's going to be an honor to go out there and test myself against someone with the skill of a BJ Penn. I believe I've done all the work. Not just for this fight. Everything I've put in since I was a kid has been for this fight. I'm looking forward to it.
Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): For the record, what is your favorite quote from any of the Rocky movies?
Kenny Florian: You know what, as bad as Rocky Balboa was it actually had one of the more memorable lines - "It's not about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward."
Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): You posted a quote on your frequently updated Twitter page a short time ago - "The reflection on a pool of water does not reveal its depth." Do you feel like the fans and media haven't seen your ‘depth' up to this point and is proving the world wrong added motivation for you?
Kenny Florian: Oh yeah for sure. That is always the way I've been portrayed. People see me as this regular guy who doesn't really look like a fighter. They don't really take me seriously, which I think is great. I think the assassin that you don't take seriously is the most dangerous one. I've never been a big talker so people maybe don't take me seriously or think I'm dangerous. Then if I do say I'm confident going in that I'm going to win a fight then they say that I'm cocky.
People don't believe in me but that's fine. The main thing is that it starts with me. You have to believe you can do it. Hopefully I can turn some more people around. I know I have in the past. For me, I'm just focusing on what I need to do to win this fight. I'm sure there will still be doubters even if I beat BJ Penn. I can't change everybody's mind. I just need to go out there and focus on what I need to do to become a better fighter.
Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): I'm not going to ask what your game plan is for BJ since nobody has ever answered that question. BJ, on the other hand, was quoted recently in an Online interview saying, "I'm not really the kind of guy that goes out there and makes a game plan, I just go out and fight." Are you buying that and, if so, is not having a game plan a good idea?
Kenny Florian: It's not necessarily a bad thing depending on what kind of training he did. I'm sure there is some half truth to that. There is some truth to that with myself as well. When we look at BJ's strengths and we say we need to be able avoid this or avoid that and try to implement your strengths which is this and that. In doing that maybe it's not a complete game plan, but in saying that and in training (technically) that it is a game plan. I'm sure BJ is looking at things that I do and looking at things he does and trying to match it up so I'm not sure I really believe that. The way that he trains should have prepared him for some kind of game plan.
Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Would you like to make an official prediction for the fight?
Kenny Florian: I don't know man. I don't know how I'm going to get it done but I'm predicting a win. Obviously I go into every fight expecting to win. I sacrifice too much to let anybody else win. I won't allow it. I train too hard for it.
Regardless, I think it's going to be a highly technical fight. It's going to be a very tough fight. I expect from every second of every round I'm going to have to work for it against BJ Penn. He's as good as it gets. I have my work cut out for me but I'm confident I'll come away on August 8 the champ.
Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Is this fight going the full five rounds?
Kenny Florian: I'm not sure but I know I've been doing five rounds for the last two months now. I'm confident I can go five ridiculously hard rounds. I'm ready for that. Whatever it may be. I'm ready for a first round win or five hard rounds.
Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): If you win the belt do you promise not to spit in the camera and say you need a Coors Light and all that stuff like Brock Lesnar did at UFC 100?
Kenny Florian: (laughs) I'm solemnly swear not to do that.
Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Maybe it's a Sam Adams in your case, some Boston lager.
Kenny Florian: (laughs) That would be acceptable.
Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): What was your take on how Lesnar reacted after his victory over Frank Mir at UFC 100. Are you okay with it and, in general, is Lesnar good for the sport of MMA? Where do you come out on him?
Kenny Florian: It's tough man. Anytime you have a dominant champion in a sport it's never a bad thing. He certainly has proven to be dominant of late. I don't see too many people who can beat him at this point. It turned me off a little bit seeing the way he acted towards Frank Mir and his camp and all that stuff. I definitely was a little upset about it.
I know that Brock apologized later but there are some people watching the sport who already have these preconceived notions that we are barbarians and things like that. Seeing that fight kind of just confirms what they already thought about the sport perhaps.
It's tough man. Brock's a great fighter. I think he realized he made a mistake. He apologized so for that I don't have a problem with him. He definitely needs to be careful. Not just Brock but any fighter needs to be careful because there are kids watching and other people watching and it can give the wrong impression.
Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Rumor has it that Diego Sanchez has been guaranteed the winner of this fight. Do you think he deserves a title shot after coming off decision victories over Joe Stevenson and Clay Guida at 155?
Kenny Florian: I'll say yes and no. For me, I'd love to fight Diego. I'm excited if that would happen. Obviously, I'm just focused on BJ Penn but I do think that Gray Maynard and Frankie Edgar have done more in the lightweight division to deserve a shot over him. A fight between myself and Diego is a more marketable fight. That is fine with me.
Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Like you said, not to look past BJ in any way but is there a ‘Wanted' poster at the Kenny Florian Martial Arts Center with Diego's picture on it?
Kenny Florian: (laughs) No definitely not. BJ Penn is the only one up there right now.
Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Forrest Griffin and Anderson Silva are going to go at it at UFC 101 as well. Who do you got and why?
Kenny Florian: That's a tough fight. Forrest is a friend of mine. Anderson Silva, in my opinion, is one of the best fighters in the world - one of my favorite fighters. Right now you have to think Anderson Silva is going to be the favorite going into this fight. The guy's skill level is at a very high level. I believe it's at a higher level than what Forrest is at right now. I think Forrest will have the size advantage. Being the underdog is always a good thing for him. Forrest always does better when he's the underdog - when not much is expected of him. That's when he seems to perform at his best. We saw him when he was a favorite against (Keith) Jardine. He didn't do as well. I'm sure he felt the pressure as a champion when he fought Rashad Evans.
I think when he's the underdog that's when he really shines, which makes him a very dangerous fighter. It comes down to how smart of a game plan Forrest comes in with. He's going to have to really control his emotions out there. A more aggressive Forrest Griffin is more likely to get knocked out against Anderson Silva. That's when he's at his best - when guys are coming forward against him. I think he just needs to be careful but you have to give Anderson Silva the edge. Anytime Forrest Griffin goes in there anything can happen so it will be an exciting fight.
Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Let's stay with Anderson Silva. His last couple of fights he's won easily but he appears different. People say he may have lost his killer instinct, he's being too cautious to protect his belt and his legacy, whatever. As an observer what is your take on him at this juncture in his career?
Kenny Florian: As a fan of the sport he hasn't had the most exciting fights recently. You want him to put more on the line. You want to say, "Listen, his skill level is so far above that of Thales Leites. Why didn't he go out there and just try to take him out?" The reality is that Anderson Silva has always been a tactician. He's always been a guy who has been a very calculating assassin. He needs to see those openings. He needs to see those opportunities to attack and expose his opponents. If those aren't presented to him he's not going to take them. He's patient. He's experience and will take his time to wait for that perfect opportunity.
It takes two to tango and not all the blame should be on Anderson Silva. Would I like to see him in more exciting fights? Sure, but I don't think you can blame Anderson Silva 100% for that. If you're looking for a brawl you're probably not looking for a fight with Anderson Silva. He's a guy who will be exciting but at the right time when it's most beneficial to him, which I agree with.
Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Before I go I also wanted to ask you about your commentary on MMA Live and on the WEC and UFC telecasts. Do you feel like a pro at it yet and, if not, what would you say is the toughest part about it?
Kenny Florian: Definitely not a pro at all as of right now. I think I do a decent job. I still need more training. I'm never satisfied with anything that I do. I always think there's room for improvement. Just getting used to going in there and doing it over and over again helps. Certainly the stuff I'm doing for ESPN has helped me tremendously to become comfortable in front of the camera.
I'm trying my best to educate the common fans first and foremost and then the hardcore fans as well. I do my best and know that I still need to work on that stuff. I love doing it. I feel really blessed that I have the opportunity to do things like that. I'm looking forward to continuing to do stuff for both the UFC and the WEC.
Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Should Joe Rogan watch his back in about four or five years? Are you coming for him?
Kenny Florian: No, by no means. He's a guy that has been involved in martial arts probably longer than I've been alive. He's been around a long time. He knows the sport inside and out. Not only that but he does a great job of delivering his lines with excitement and passion. You can see it, it's very genuine.
Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): He looks like he could get in the cage if the UFC ever need a replacement fighter at the last minute?
Kenny Florian: Yeah, he's that skilled. People forget that the guy is very skilled in stand-up and in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, obviously. He's a bad ass in his own right. No doubt about it.
Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): That's all I had for you Kenny. Would you like to pass along a message to your fans or thank any sponsors at this time?
Kenny Florian: I want to thank all the fans for their support. I want to encourage everybody to check out KennyFlorian.com. I would like to thank all my coaches and teammates. Check out Florian Martial Arts Center. I would like to thank Tapout as well.
Derek Bolender (MMAmania.com): Thanks again Kenny and best of luck in a few weeks. We'll do it again soon.
Kenny Florian: Thanks buddy.
Derek Bolender is a staff writer for InsideFights.com. He is also syndicated to FoxSports.com and CNNSI.com. Follow him at Twitter.com/DerekMMAwriter and on Facebook. Look for future articles from him on MMAmania.com.
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only way florian wins is by out cardioing penn en route to a decision, no other shot possible. war bj
by bobby o'shea on Jul 26, 2009 12:48 PM EDT reply actions
and since hes not GSP that wont be happening. BJ BJ BJ!!!
by ( (Adam G) ) on Jul 26, 2009 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions
We’ve seen this before so i will leave with a few words:
“Sometimes hype jus ain’ enough” – Jens Pulver
Florian UD.
by NameNotRequired on Jul 26, 2009 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions
you’re quoting a guy that got blown out by BJ Penn to help make your case for a florian UD . . .?
by ( (Adam G) ) on Jul 26, 2009 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Hey, you had BJ smashing GSP, i can have my ridiculous calls too!
by NameNotRequired on Jul 26, 2009 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions
so f*cking true it makes me laugh!!! Well played my friend, well played = )
by ( (Adam G) ) on Jul 26, 2009 1:09 PM EDT up reply actions
lmfao way 2 quote somthing about when bj just fought on natural ability and never trained hard
by JG on Jul 26, 2009 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Bj by a very hard fought victory. This isn’t going to be easy for him at all. Fortunately for BJ natural ability + SOME hard work ÷ jacuzzi= still champ.
by DSmith on Jul 26, 2009 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions
And it has been a few years now so I think we can stop questioning BJ’s cardio.
by DSmith on Jul 26, 2009 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions
I think Kill-Flo weathers the first two rounds, then tactically dismantles a wheezing BJ in rounds 3-5 for a 48-47 UD win.
by PW on Jul 26, 2009 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions
It’s possible, that’s why I’m treading lightly.
by DSmith on Jul 26, 2009 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions
I got BJ and by domination. Saying BJ will gas is laughable! The only time I’ve seen him gas is vs. hughes the second time and he had a bad rib injury. All this "bJ gasses every time) is crap, give an example! If only BJ would train with top competition, he’d be unstoppable, but the way he trains is good enough to rule the LW division! He has the best jts, dynamite in his hands and has never ebven been cut. He just needs to realize that with everybody at ww evolving and getting bigger and bigger, he’s just too small to move uo.
Sanchez/Penn could be fight of the year… as long as Diego doesn’t come in crazy like he did against Guida, standing toe to toe with BJ will get him KO’d!
by kevin on Jul 26, 2009 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions
“lmfao way 2 quote somthing about when bj just fought on natural ability and never trained hard”
ummm has anything changed?
by brendan on Jul 26, 2009 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions
I love watching Kenny fight, but I hate hearing him talk because I think he has turned into an arrogant prick, and I used to really like his old humble self….but I have to admit, that Kenny came off well in this interview. I think he spoke honestly, and went in depth with a lot of his answers so I appreciate him for it.
No disrespect to Kenny because I think he is TOP SHELF and has a great work ethic, but BJ is motivated right now. Timing is everything, and I think its a bad time for any lightweights to be fighting BJ. BJ is coming of an embaressing loss to GSP and BJ is a very PROUD man which is going to cause him to come into this fight motivated, well trained and FIRED UP! Terrible timing for Kenny. BJ is going from training for GSP with rudeboy and Hardonk…..to training for Kenny with sparring paartners like: Diaz brothers (who’s body frame is good to mimic Kenny), Jake Sheilds, KJ noons. Yesterday BJ flew Vitor out to Hawaii to help him train for Kenny. This tells me that BJ is hungry and motivated and that he is taking this fight very serious and isnt overlooking Kenny. BJ at 50% is good enough to compete with any lightweight. So hearing him this dedicated is going to spell some serious trouble for Ken Flow.
I was talking about this with my man Punch in an earlier thread but I will have to repeat it becaus eits a valid argument. When Kenny lost his 1st title shot against Sherk, it was mainly because of the discrepancy between the two in the wrestling aspect of the fight. So that left a huge question marlk about how Kenny owuld compete against the upper echelon wrestlers in the division. Since that question was raised after the sherk fight, Kenny hasnt been matched up against any top wretslers. He has been protected by JOe Silva, from facing any of the top lightweight wretslers like Maynard, Guida, Sherk, Tyson, Diego…and I have a problem with a fighter getting a 2nd title shot without ever having to prove that he fixed the enormous hole that caused him to lose his 1st title shot. He has basically beaten every top non wrestling lightweight, so win or lose from here on out his wrestling is going to be tested because all that there is left for him at the top of the lightwieght division is a bunch of dominating wrestlers! THats when we will find out how good Kenny really is.
If Kenny loses to BJ, I would like to see him fight Josh Neer in a bounceback fight and from there, he has to start proving himself against top wrestlers like: Guida, Sherk, Maynard, Edgar. If Kenny become champion…bring on Diego.
I really dont see many ways that Kenny can win this fight. I think the world of Kenny as a fighter, but hate hearing him talk, and I will bet money and be rooting on Kenny…but Fact of the matter is that if Kenny some how pulls off an upset, we will still be left with a legit top lightweight as our champion, and in title fightsw, thats all you can really ask for.
Fans are the winners in this one, but Timing is all wrong for Kenny. BJ is going to be holding on to his title!
by JOhn G on Jul 26, 2009 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions
In fairness, Sherk inflicted no damage whatsoever to Kill-Flo in that fight, while Kill-Flo landed Hell-bows from the bottom at will and sliced Sherk up pretty badly. Based purely on damage and not “top position,” Kill-Flo was the better fighter. There’s also a good probability that Sherk was roiding in that fight.
by PW on Jul 26, 2009 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Kenny is a much better fighter than Sherk just not a better wrestler and that was the deciding factor in that fight… Kenny “the nerd” Florian is gonna beat BJ i know it! all BJ fanboys will be disappointed to see that BJ taking the sport seriously is just hype from the UFC!
by RoB on Jul 26, 2009 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Like Kenny as a fighter, I like BJ much more as a fighter. Kenny is a good hard working guy who focuses on conditioning, I would see myself like that. BJ has the innate talent and gifts so he obviously has more potential.
So it comes down to BJ working hard and having heart, if BJ is game then Kenny can’t win. Simple as that. If BJ isn’t game then Kenny will outlast or out point him.
Don’t really see Kenny finishing this one, maybe if BJ were to gas. Obviously BJ can finish him.
by Bennie Blanco on Jul 26, 2009 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions
It was Sherk’s first after Kill-Flo that he got popped. Why is it unreasonable to think he was roiding in this one?
by PW on Jul 26, 2009 6:02 PM EDT up reply actions
he was probably roiding the whole time when he was out of the UFC and then he roided before the Florian fight and then after cause he had a long break due to a shoulder injury.. BJ gassed against GSP the 1st time, and he’s going to get dominated!.. to even think that BJ could dominate is what’s laughable the dude is too slow! get it? too slow, and he’s an average athlete at best who’s going to lose to Diego for sure if he happens to beat Kenny which im pretty sure he won’t!
by RoB on Jul 26, 2009 7:24 PM EDT up reply actions
A thread of regulars on Sunday night!!! It’ll be a great fight…I can’t see either guy getting KOed, I can’t see Kenny winning by sub, and I can’t see either guy getting GnPed, I can’t see Kenny getting any tds but I can see BJ taking Kenny’s back after Kenny fails at a td attempt. Kenny will get bloodied in the 2nd/3rd and need to start shooting for tds to catch up. He’ll get a single but BJ’s balance will be too much as Kenny falls with BJ on his back losing via RNC in the 3rd/4th. Write it down. The 8-Ball has spoken
by McArthur on Jul 26, 2009 8:03 PM EDT up reply actions
how does wrestling have anything to do with this fight? neither one has any wrestling skills so why does it matter? has bj penn ever even attempted a double leg takedown? i think kenny has the more well rounded striking, has just as good jiu jitsu as penn, penn has more power and maybe a better chin, but we havent really seen kenny;s chin tested, and kenny has the edge in conditioning… this is a pretty even match up if you ask me and i definitely think kenny can pull it off
by brendan on Jul 26, 2009 8:43 PM EDT up reply actions
adam g after bj loses again why dont you just admitt bj is overrated and he will never be champion again. bj lacks heart and dedication. other lw fighters will start overtaking him, he is just a naturally lazy, unmotivated, rich, pampered fighter, who gre up with multi-millionaire parents, so of course he will not have the drive and dedication of florian. cant wait 2 more weeks and we never have to hear about bj again after he gets destroyed
by dtoto on Jul 26, 2009 10:24 PM EDT up reply actions
why do you have to get so personal, im on here having a good time and you’re makin an *ss of yourself bro, grow up.
by ( (Adam G) ) on Jul 27, 2009 1:40 AM EDT up reply actions
another note, do i bash anyone or any fighter on here . . . NO. I express that BJ is my favorite fighter and discuss him with whoever wants to listen, you then choose to bash this guy that if you bumped into in a mall would be on his nuts harder than i could ever dream of asking for autographs and “good fights BJ” etc. You need a reality check on whats important in life dude, makin fun of people isnt it, again, grow up.
by ( (Adam G) ) on Jul 27, 2009 1:46 AM EDT up reply actions
and when BJ wins you’re gonna feel like an idiot.
by ( (Adam G) ) on Jul 27, 2009 1:50 AM EDT up reply actions
Sorry to say but there are very few fighters in the UFC with Better or just as good jits as BJ.
by Da Monkey on Jul 27, 2009 4:45 AM EDT up reply actions
kevin, bj the lw doesn’t gas.. but bj the ww or up, tends to slow down noticeably.
that said~ bj for the win, no doubt!
bj bj bj!!!
by stinky~fingers on Jul 27, 2009 7:02 AM EDT up reply actions
dtoto – nothing but truth!.. i’m tired of hearing about how dedicated he is, he isn’t ok! the UFC knows that and that’s why they constantly have to feed us lies
by RoB on Jul 27, 2009 7:53 AM EDT up reply actions
Its a fact that Bj is dedicated RIGHT NOW! For the GSP fight he was training with Cans like Hardonk and rudeboy. Preparing for Kenny he has flown in: Jake Sheilds, the Diaz brothers, Kj noons, and yesterday Vitor Belfort flew out to hawaii to help BJ prepare for Kenny. Its rare that BJ flies out such good fighters for a training camp. THE FACT that he has done this while preparing for Kenny tells me that he was embarrassed against GSP, and that he is taking this fight very serious.
Kevin is right, the whole bJ gassing thing is out dated and he hast gassed since his lightweight return. I think its hard for BJ to get down to 155 lbs for a fight. I dont think he can make 155 lb without busting his ass in training. BJ is not going to lose this fight!
Good post Adam G. As much as you love your boy BJ, I dont ever recall you bashing other fighters or bloggers who are fans of other fighters. Props to you. Its a shame that you have to come on this site and deal with immature crap.
For those that dont know, i am JOhn g, posting under my drunken alter ego!
by Jizz dollar on Jul 27, 2009 8:12 AM EDT up reply actions
BJ is very dedicated right now. I know this for a FACT!
by Jizz dollar on Jul 27, 2009 8:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Do you people realize that BJ has flown out top fighters like the Diaz brothers, Jake sheilds, Vitor Belfort nd KJ “nancy boy” noons to help him prepare for Kenny? That tells me he is very motivated and looking to make a statement!
BJ wont lose this fight!
by Jizz dollar on Jul 27, 2009 8:35 AM EDT up reply actions
I’ve been a huge Kenny fan since the show and it’s awesome to see how far he’s come since those days. I’m actually really happy to hear that BJ is bringing out so many good fighters to train with and I seriously hope that he comes in very prepared for this fight. BJ’s training regimen has been suspect for a while and I hope that he’s changing that. BJ has a lot going for him in this fight. He’s got some serious boxing skills that have really come out in his last few LW fights. His jab is not only good for setting up combos but it’s a weapon in and of itself and causes some decent damage. Penn also has solid takedown defense and except for GSP…never really finds himself on his back.
Other that that…I think Kenny matches up pretty well with BJ. Kenny has gone 5 rounds before without an issue and as others have said…he didn’t take much damage from Sherk in that fight. Since then…Florian has improved in every area of his game. I agree that it would have been nice to see Kenny go up against a wrestler prior to this titleshot to see how he would handle himself in that situation again but it is what it is. Kenny’s muay thai is a solid weapon…combined with his excellent footwork should help neutralize BJ’s boxing prowess. Kenny’s jitz is close enough to Penn’s that it shouldn’t be an issue and they are both excellent in the scramble. I think Kenny really needs to work some kicks in this fight…to the legs, to the mid section, to the head…keep Penn guessing. I also think Kenny needs to get BJ up against the fence and tire him out grappling while doing some dirty boxing to frustrate Penn into making mistakes.
This is a great match up and I think the winner will be the one that can capatilize on the most mistakes by the other and I think that person is Kenny…he’s a smarter in cage fighter than Penn. BJ runs on emotion in the cage and I think that’ll be the difference and Penn’s downfall.
by Buster Bluth on Jul 27, 2009 9:13 AM EDT up reply actions
He’s using Noons AND the Diaz boys?? Obviously not at the same time
by McArthur on Jul 27, 2009 9:14 AM EDT up reply actions
I wonder if McArthur will have his eyes closed the whole fight, haha. just messing with ya. On a serious note whats with all the BJ haters? Anyone who claims BJ is overrated needs to take a serious look at whether they are analyzing a fight or hating a figher. Honestly I question anyones knowledge if they think BJ Penn is overrated. BJ Penn will win this fight and I hope everyone on here asking for people to bet their souls on BJ Penn will be willing to give up theirs when Florian loses. BJ! BJ! BJ!
by Cogito Ergo Sum on Jul 27, 2009 9:52 AM EDT up reply actions
adam g you seem to think that because gsp and bj destroyed sherk, and sherk destroyed florian many moons ago, kenny wont have a chance. You are dead wrong, this is not the same kenny as back then, he is a very dangrous opponent, and he has evolved tremendiously since then. IM sure anderson lost many yrs ago also in Japan, but do you think those fighters could beat him now? dont think so, you and bj are going to be in for a rude awakening
by dtoto on Jul 27, 2009 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions
McArtur: Definitely not at the same time.
I think the Diaz boys have a good body frame to mimick Florian and will serve as useful sparring partners for bJ leading up to this fight.
Vitor and BJ are probably 2 of the best boexers in mma, and I bet Sparring with Vitor will help sharper bJ’s already deadlyboxing!
this is really going to be a great fight. I think Kenny is going to be tentative, especially early. BJ will have a window of opportunity early on that will allow him to end the fight. Lets see if Kenny can weather the storm, or if BJ will take advatage of that window.
Kenny is top shelf. No offense to him at all, but until I see someone beat BJ at 155 lbs, I just cant pick against him. I think he is Fedor-ish at 155 lbs. Is he beatable? YES…but I have to see it to believe it! NO matter who wins this fight, UFC fans will be left with a great champion,so I will just sit back, enjoy the show, and take advantage of betting BJ at relitively low odds!
by Jizz Dollar on Jul 27, 2009 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions
Kenny is definitely planning to throw some low kicks…problem with that is BJ is planning a hard hitting right straight right dfown mainstreet uFC of Kenny’s defense. I actually think thats how the fight is going to end:
Kenny throws a low kick, early in the fight,before tasting BJ’s power. Bj is going to time it perfectly, and counter with a right straight through the middle of Kenny’s defense. I think BJ shocks a lot of lightweights wit how hard he hits. Kenny knows BJ hits like a tank, but until you feel it, I dont think you can fully grasp it. Kenny will get ROCKED by that right straight, and bJ will follow him to the ground, were it will be the beginning of the end.
When a fighter is well rounded as bj, THERE IS A FINE LINE BETWEEN a TKO (g n P) and a submission. I cant say if BJ will TKO or submit Kenny, because its up to BJ, he has the tools to do both. I do think that BJ will rock Kenny countering his low kick, follow Kenny to the ground, and while Kenny is stunned, he will either TKO a turtled up Kenny, or he will RNC him!
THats just the way I see it. I think bJ will end this fight early on!
by Jizz Dollar on Jul 27, 2009 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions
I would like to ask the question who of value has “Ken Flo” finished? He TKO’s nobodies, Lauzon is a decent fighter but he’s a ground fighter. Who does he submit? Again either pure strikers or nobodies. If anyone wants to point out that he submitted the “great” Joe Stevenson I would like to point out that Joe is not actually all that great on the ground. He primarily wins by choke but he loses by the same technique so to me he doesn’t seem all that qualified to be considered a great ground technician. Kenny has not impressed me with his win column, look at Penn’s and you’ll understand just how much Penn out classes Kenny. fyi someone who is afraid to strike with Huerta ought to fear striking with Penn. and if you can’t strike with Penn you should just go home because your not submitting him.
by Cogito Ergo Sum on Jul 27, 2009 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions
adam this latest bj loss is going to bring you down from your delusional bj love fest, mma has greatly evolved, bj is the same old bj never gets better, kenny is going to destroy him. you can take that to the bank. bj retires after this fight
by dtoto on Jul 26, 2009 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions
ok, but something tells me that your check is gonna get revoked. Kenny is not GSP, we saw what GSP/BJ did to sherk, kenny did . . . there are the elite and there are the guys right underneath them, take that to the bank.
by ( (Adam G) ) on Jul 26, 2009 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions
And regardless, at least you know ill never waiver like some guys do (whoevers winning, they love), i came here as a BJ fan and after the solar storm and planet-X in 2012 knock out our electrical services and this site goes down with it, ill leave as a BJ fan. Cant knock me for that.
by ( (Adam G) ) on Jul 26, 2009 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions
amen adam G. I hate bandwagon fans, and you sir, will never be accused of being one!
Props to you adam for not abandoning your favorite fighter during the tough times!
by Jizz dollar on Jul 27, 2009 8:15 AM EDT up reply actions
adam g i gotta say bj is the best 155 in the world, and will reign supreme there forever, there is no prospect or current 155lber on the planet that can stop him, i doubt even a true 170 cutting to 155 could touch bj his kryptonite is just gsp not any dominant wrestler it’s just gsp
by randy murders on Jul 26, 2009 6:07 PM EDT up reply actions
lol he beat a few can pulver, who cant beat FWs joe daddy who is a joke, and sherk who decided to have a boxing match despite having a 3 foot reach disadvantage, if he beats florian bj is the best lw in the planet, but i know florian will handle him easily and bj wont win more than 1 round. you heard it hear first, from the guy whp predicted bj and alves wouldnt win a single round against gsp. my predictions are allways correct.
by dtoto on Jul 26, 2009 10:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Your common factor in your “predictions” is GSP. That gives you hardly any credibility in regard to a BJ/Florian fight.
by Synyster on Jul 27, 2009 2:04 AM EDT up reply actions
Sherk should have GnP’d Penn the entire fight like he did to Kenny huh lol
by ( (Adam G) ) on Jul 27, 2009 2:05 AM EDT up reply actions
I dunno Kenny knows his stuff. I could see this one going to a decision.
by Chris on Jul 26, 2009 7:26 PM EDT up reply actions
2 more weeks and we have a new LW champion, cant wait. i really thunk kenny has evolved while bj has stood still, I dont see many takedowns, unyill later rounds when bj gasses again, i dom see kenny picking him apart with his better overall standup, footwork, and much longer reach. bj retires after this latest loss.
by dtoto on Jul 26, 2009 10:14 PM EDT up reply actions
I really think your spelling has not evolved since primary school!
by MoonUK on Jul 27, 2009 5:29 AM EDT up reply actions
Spelling and grammar, but I’m knot normaly won to h8, I had to sit and do a lot of thunking but I cam to the conclusion that the end has no nd?
by Cogito Ergo Sum on Jul 27, 2009 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions
WTF. Does it really say “Flo Job” at the the top of the article?
by Jon on Jul 26, 2009 12:52 PM EDT reply actions
all i could come up with was snoflake or floflake . . . FloJob, right in front of me face! Damn it!!
by ( (Adam G) ) on Jul 26, 2009 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Directly in front of us…FloJob…haha, nice Derek!! How long did it take you and your crack staff to come up with that! Bit better than floflake… ;)
by McArthur on Jul 26, 2009 8:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Uh, you might not want to mention your face and “Flo Job” in the same sentence ever again. A lil’ gey.
by Eric on Jul 27, 2009 9:56 AM EDT up reply actions
I think this is gonna be an exciting fight but ultimatly i think penn will get the best of him in the stand up and ko him in the 3rd. On the other side of that Florian could win by a tko with leg kicks I think that is the only way Florian has a chance to win by stoppage leg kicks or decision, Penn can Ko Florian standing or on the ground or tap him.
by Drew on Jul 26, 2009 1:03 PM EDT reply actions
lol!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! classic response JG! stfu
by ( (Adam G) ) on Jul 26, 2009 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Not kenny’s fault but i’m tired of hearing “I WANT BJ’S BELT”. I hope BJ beats him by whatever he wants…most likely TKO stoppage in round .
by Jakizzle on Jul 26, 2009 1:32 PM EDT reply actions
For some reason I want this fight to be over, I think it is mostly cause the preview commercial has so many annoying soundbytes looped back to back.
by DirtyML on Jul 26, 2009 1:34 PM EDT reply actions
“I want BJ’s belt” – “Im not that great but ill fight anybody” – “THE best p4p in the world right now” -
by ( (Adam G) ) on Jul 26, 2009 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions
adam u always seem happy(which is nice to see), can u tell me who ur fav fighter is??
by guyverbob on Jul 26, 2009 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions
I think his favorite 3 fighters are BJ BJ BJ.lol
by Gord on Jul 26, 2009 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions
ahha, well i like matt huges so i can’t make fun of anyone elses favs..
by guyverbob on Jul 26, 2009 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions
tom atencio is my fav fighter..im a huge fan. lol
by tuffguy01 on Jul 26, 2009 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Gord has all 3 correct . . . and in that order too!!! Trippy!
by ( (Adam G) ) on Jul 26, 2009 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions
My top 5 are (and reasons why):
1) BJ Penn (all around, lifestyle and fighting)
2) Anderson Silva (all around, lifestyle and fighting)
3) Brock Lesnar (cause hes gauranteed to put someone through the cage everytime and i need that a few times a year)
4)Forrest Griffin (his heart!!!)
5) Nick Diaz/Dan Henderson (weight class changes and *ss whoopins baby!!)
. . .GSP would normally be a solid 5th but his Sean Sherk approach is wearing thin on me now, still great to watch like a Brock, just needs to watch out for those Matts in the world.
by ( (Adam G) ) on Jul 26, 2009 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Adam is the ultimate BJ nuthugger around in these parts…
by Syd[a.k.a."The Negation"] on Jul 26, 2009 6:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Call it what you want, im a true fan, thats all. Theres that reason we all start to enjoy something, some moment that changes us, makes us want more ya know. Believe it or not i was a Hughes fan when i first heard about him, his legend, his WLWT dominance, and as i waited for him to fight this punk from Hilo thats moving up to fight the best ever, in his prime, without winning a belt at 155, and without a single tune up fight to his name Matts attitude about this kid caught me of gaurd “i dont care what BJs doing or where hes doin it, blah, blah, blah . . .” So Matt started to lose his luster with me before he ever really got it rolling . . . I started to wonder WHY BJ even got this shot in the first place, someone believed in him right, Gomi wasnt the only person this guy was ready to smash, he didnt talk much, “just scrap!” . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Right hand cross the jaw from the top, blood spilt, a random grab at a foot, and a throat engulfed in Hawaiin forearm!!! AND YOUR NEW WLWT CHAMPION OF THE WORLD!!!!!! With authority, he picked up the magic that had faded with Hughes and walked because his next opponent was his best friend Charutto, who gives it all up a minute after they got it all for a friend to get his shot??? Talk sh*t about his attitude or his mouthy ways now if you want, he already proved his humble nature to me years ago and i know what he does now is all an act, promotion, MORE MONEY for him and his daughter!!!! He showed me the impossible does NOT exist and im forever greatful, losing a crazy fight just to entertain me isnt goin to change that, i want the fights, not the wins. (except the GSP rematch . . . that one hurt where it hurts)
by ( (Adam G) ) on Jul 26, 2009 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions
bj is not humble, he is a great fighter though, i think hes ok and i don’t hate him and i want him to win cause hes a very feared lightweight and i beleive that kenny wud not make as scarey of a champion a sbj..
by guyverbob on Jul 26, 2009 7:37 PM EDT up reply actions
I know it’s painfully condensed, but BJ impressed me on TUF as well. If we get even a slight glimpse of the person, he seemed cool to me.
by Kobajack on Jul 27, 2009 1:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Kenny is going to surprise all of you in this one. BJ will lose i’m calling total domination by kenny in rounds 1-3 then he is going to submit bj in the 4th!!
by fedorsucks on Jul 26, 2009 2:39 PM EDT reply actions
Wow, that’s a pretty bold statement to make. I admire your bodness even if your username ain’t too much to admire about.
by Syd[a.k.a."The Negation"] on Jul 26, 2009 6:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Derek, you are awesome at interviewing, you really pick great questions.
As for the fight, I’m definitely thinking Kenny is going to win. I think the difference is his movement on the feet. I think he’s going to be landing hard kicks, moving around, and wearing BJ out. BJ isn’t going to get a chance to use his boxing.
by Razzel on Jul 26, 2009 3:03 PM EDT reply actions
I think BJ is very skilled but I am not convinced his heart is in it any more… Any guy who films himself carrying a rock under water in his boxers is trying too hard to impress. In this fight I am thinking Florian is going to surprise some. He seems rather organized and his last fights indicate a very vicious, and well conditioned athlete. I am going with Florian by submission.
by TapedUpPair on Jul 26, 2009 3:21 PM EDT reply actions
i like to make a shout out 2 “YA MOMMA” what uppppppppp.. oh yea and i got penn in 6th round by 1 touchdown…. might i add GARANNN TEEEE LES DO DISSS
by Dirk Diggler on Jul 26, 2009 3:42 PM EDT reply actions
Lets talk about my Borck! WWE will take over UFC soon. All my guys will dominate MMA and I will buy UFC from Dana soon!
by Mr. Vince McMahon on Jul 26, 2009 4:11 PM EDT reply actions
Seriously no 1 is gonna mention that kenflo can win this fight from stoppage due to cuts. His elbows are blades. If he can get a few maybe even 1 good 1 from the top that could be enough. And with his disregard for ur health and life he may just upset bj. He’ll definitely have much more cardio going into the latter rounds.
by Daniel worby on Jul 26, 2009 4:26 PM EDT reply actions
The best part is I don’t have to just pick 1 way for ken to win he literally could wear Penn down for 2-3 rounds then I wouldn’t be surprised to see a ko/tko, or submission(perhaps rear choke) or stoppage by cut, or u.d. I really like his odds
by Daniel worby on Jul 26, 2009 4:35 PM EDT reply actions
i like kenny but he is no where near penns level. Bj tko 3rd round!!!
by jt on Jul 26, 2009 5:39 PM EDT reply actions
- RIP Vernon Forrest ********************
VERY VERY VERY TERRIBLE NEWS .. my heart goes out to his friends and family . The world has Lost a legend in Boxing and his family and friends lost an Incredible Person .
http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/box/news?slug=ki-forrest072609&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
Forrest, 38, was shot and killed Saturday during a robbery, Atlanta police said. One of his trainers and closest friends, Charles Watson, told an Atlanta television station that Forrest stopped at a Mechanicsville, Ga., gas station to fix a problem with a tire when the incident occurred. He offered money to a man who helped him and was soon surrounded by several men, who somehow took his wallet, Watson told WXIA-TV. Watson told the station that Forrest scuffled with the men briefly in an apparent attempt to regain his wallet. One of the men jumped out of the car and shot him in the back of the head and then shot him six more times while he was on the ground.
by 36chamberz on Jul 26, 2009 5:56 PM EDT reply actions
That is just ridiculous. People like those thugs should be killed in public stonings.
by DirtyML on Jul 26, 2009 10:22 PM EDT up reply actions
I wanna see bj ko kenny in a bisping hendo fashion
by phenomenal angel on Jul 26, 2009 7:36 PM EDT reply actions
what is with all the penn nut-hugging here? The man is a congenital coward who talked a lot of smack about an honourable opponent and was fed his lunch. Penn has also licked the blood of his opponents off his gloves and ALWAYS has an excuse at the ready when he loses.
the guy is a 13 year old in a 31 or 32 year old man’s body; he’s the classic spoiled rich kid who never grew up into a man.
btw, he’d be ruined in a third fight with GSP (though he’s prob hoping st pierre takes a lot of punishment in a fight against Anderson Silva and is a diminished fighter as a result; Penn just seems like the sort of guy who wants to fight people when they’re weakened).
by bk on Jul 26, 2009 9:08 PM EDT reply actions
Coward yeah I think not. Bj has fought the best fighters in the world in and out of his weight class. Bj is all about the challenge, that is why he fights. Now his attitude can get in the way of that, but he is no coward. Bj will fight anyone no matter what size they are, and that’s why he’s one of my favorite fighters.
by Parks on Jul 27, 2009 12:01 AM EDT up reply actions
Kenny by Sub round 4 bet it all on that one boys
by fedorsucks on Jul 26, 2009 9:45 PM EDT reply actions
i agree. penn is no where near as great as he was and has to be an awesome choice to bet against in this fight odds and payout wise. I will definitely be betting against him and laughin at my 2 penn nutt hugger friends when he gets smashed. jumping out of a pool is impressive and all, but it doesnt win fights. he spends too much time recording nonsense for youtube and pouting about everyone else…MAN ARE THE 2 MAIN EVENTS ON THIS CARD GONNA BE ENTERTAINING
by daniel worby on Jul 26, 2009 10:37 PM EDT reply actions
Go get em B.J.
Aloha from Oahu
Rick
by Sensei J. Richard Kirkham B.Sc. on Jul 27, 2009 5:03 AM EDT reply actions
I think Kenny picks BJ apart with kicks .. manages 2 take BJ down and elbows his way 2 victory .
BJ showed his true colours at the end of that GSP fight … wonder what his excuse will be after this loss ?
by yuk dog on Jul 27, 2009 5:10 AM EDT reply actions
Umm he will say this: “I was a little too distracted with my new born son, and I’m not making any excuses but, being a great father does come before being a great fighter.” waaaah! Waaaah! What’s that? Its the waaaahmbulance coming to get cry baby Penn. Uh oh look whose driving, its mom! And she looks ready to defend her lil boy! Ah!
by Daniel worby on Jul 27, 2009 8:37 AM EDT reply actions
Dude are sure? Cuz BJ fights to the death. Remember!
by Wes on Jul 27, 2009 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions
i like them both a hell of a lot, florian has serious integrity and sportmanship – but bj is the man, i hate to come across fickle but i think ill be rooting for the underdog, its his time and it will give bj back some hunger
by apex103 on Jul 27, 2009 9:30 AM EDT reply actions
bj has never been cut in a fight. and if they didn’t stop sherk/florian do you really think he’s gonna cut bj so bad that they’re gonna take bj’s belt for it?
by AzCombat on Jul 28, 2009 2:32 AM EDT up reply actions
I actually think Kenny has a great shot at beating BJ. And yes cardio will come into play. He looked really tired each of his last 4 or 5 fights with the exception of Joe daddy and Sherk. Both decent fighters but but certainly not great fighters. I think Kenny has really elevated his game also. His skill level has really improved and BJ’s has stagnated. Finally, I think BJ is a frontrunner, he does well when the fight is going his way, but when he gets into deep waters he kind of gives up or quits all together. That’s where Kenny can win- drag him into deep waters, the laters rounds and BJ just might drown.
by Wes on Jul 27, 2009 12:51 PM EDT reply actions
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