With a sensational win over Joe Stevenson at UFC 80: "Rapid Fire" this weekend to capture the vacant lightweight title, BJ Penn (12-4-1) punched his ticket to meet up with former divsion champion, Sean Sherk (32-2-1), most likely at UFC 84 on May 24 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
UFC President Dana White confirmed the obvious match up during the post event press conference, according to MMAWeekly.com.
Sherk was sitting alongside announcers Joe Rogan and Mike Goldberg during the main event this weekend in Newcastle, England. He became visibly agitated when after the fight Penn informed him and the crowd that he was a "dead man."
In fact, Sherk entered the Octagon to get some camera time and was met with a chorus of boos and the chant of "steroids."
That's because Sherk was recently stripped of his belt after the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) detected elevated levels on Nandrolone (an illegal steroid) in his system following his win over Hermes Franca at UFC 73: "Stacked" in July.
He now has the first chance to dethrone the charismatic and super talented Hawaiian champion.
Penn looked in spectacular form against Stevenson and displayed impressive skills in all facets of the game. Clearly, he is the more well-rounded fighter.
Sherk, on the other hand, is incredibly strong, can fight for days, and has proven that if he can get the takedowns that he can control a fight.
He had Franca -- an extremely experienced Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist -- on his back for most of their fight. And Sherk did a solid job of defending submissions from that position.
Hopefully, the Penn-Sherk fight does not mirror the Sherk-Franca fight, however. While both fighters demonstrated great skill and technique, there is nothing quite like seeing a fight that takes place all over the Octagon.
Just ask the fans at the Metro Radio Arena -- the up-and-down battle between Penn and Stevenson had them on their feet.
Now that's a fight ... take note Sean Sherk.
UFC 84 also features rumored bouts between light heavyweight contenders Rashad Evans and Thiago Silva, as well as a clash between Tito Ortiz and Lyoto Machida.
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