BJ Penn retires

Discussion in 'MMA - Mixed Martial Arts' started by speeds, Oct 29, 2011.

  1. speeds

    speeds $2.50 highball, $1.50 beer Staff Member Administrator GFX Team

    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2007
    Messages:
    39,328
    Likes Received:
    3,310
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Calgary, AB
    BJ Penn retired following his fight with Nick Diaz at UFC 137. Penn is a former UFC Lightweight World Champion and Welterweight World Champion, finishing with a career record of 16-8-2.

    [​IMG]
     
  2. oldmangrouch

    oldmangrouch persona non grata

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2008
    Messages:
    12,402
    Likes Received:
    6,323
    Trophy Points:
    113
    An anti-climatic end to a career long on promise - and disappointment.
     
  3. speeds

    speeds $2.50 highball, $1.50 beer Staff Member Administrator GFX Team

    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2007
    Messages:
    39,328
    Likes Received:
    3,310
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Calgary, AB
    Few fighters are as divisive for fans. Wonderfully talented and exciting but lacking in desire and commitment. Too many excuses, too much wasted time. Could've been the best but never wanted or needed it badly enough.

    Will be remembered for fighting in multiple weight classes, beating Matt Hughes twice, ditching the UFC belt and being fired, and with his mom suing the NSAC. His legacy every bit as inconsistent as he was.
     
  4. speeds

    speeds $2.50 highball, $1.50 beer Staff Member Administrator GFX Team

    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2007
    Messages:
    39,328
    Likes Received:
    3,310
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Calgary, AB
    Predictably, Penn's cornermen aren't so certain he will stay away. Strange how being financially invested in his continued career might make them think that.
     
  5. Carden

    Carden w00t

    Joined:
    Oct 25, 2010
    Messages:
    103
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    18
    Bout freaking time. Penn is the most over rated fighter ever.
     
  6. speeds

    speeds $2.50 highball, $1.50 beer Staff Member Administrator GFX Team

    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2007
    Messages:
    39,328
    Likes Received:
    3,310
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Calgary, AB
    Penn has decided to take some time off and is now noncommittal about retiring.
     
  7. Run BJM

    Run BJM Heavy lies the crown. Staff Member Global Moderator

    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2005
    Messages:
    8,749
    Likes Received:
    75
    Trophy Points:
    48
    Not surprising. He seems like a very emotional guy and was in the heat of the moment. I do think that retirement has been on his mind as IIRC he had the same "I might be retiring" schtick after the Fitch fight. Hes still very much capable of being elite IMO. He just went to a draw with Fitch which is impressive. He won the first round against Diaz before Diaz' superior conditioning took over.

    The problem is hes in weight class limbo. He should be at 155 but he lost to Edgar twice. Hes also lost to GSP twice although he certainly could have a case for getting another title should if he beat Diaz (or Fitch). Making an argument that he should get a 3rd shot at Edgar could be tough but he was mowing down everyone at LW before that. Nick had some interesting comments that Penn should be at 155 and that he should come train with Diaz to get into Diaz-type shape and try another run at 155. Getting away from his camp of yes-men and enablers could help him too. Who's to say he couldn't earn a title shot at 170 with a win over Fitch/Koscheck or Condit (who needs an opponent for SB weekend) though?
     
  8. speeds

    speeds $2.50 highball, $1.50 beer Staff Member Administrator GFX Team

    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2007
    Messages:
    39,328
    Likes Received:
    3,310
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Calgary, AB
    I don't know if conditioning was such an issue in this fight. He fought to the bell. I think getting punched 179 times in the head and 67 times to the body (including 90 power shots to both) just took it's toll. He's second best at both weight classes and I think that is the biggest reason for him retiring--he's in the same position that Kenny Florian, Jon Fitch, etc. are in--if you're not in for the title than you are fighting for money and especially in Penn's case, that just isn't enough motivation.
     
  9. bbwtrench

    bbwtrench BBW Member

    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2004
    Messages:
    5,425
    Likes Received:
    9
    Trophy Points:
    38
    Yep, I agree. 2nd best now in each division.. gatekeeper sucks!!! BJ leaves it on the table. I thought he had him early in the 1st when he had is back with time to spare. That 2nd round was a clinic.. Once Nick tasted blood, he never let up. Just outworked him... Never seen BJ so busted up...He took the beating. lol

    Thats respect right there!!! Good stuff. GO NICK!!! Calling out GSP!!! haha

    [​IMG]
     

Share This Page