(Georges St. Pierre vs. BJ Penn)
(Lyoto Machida vs. Thiago Silva)
(Jon Jones vs. Stephan Bonnar)
(Clay Guida vs. Nate Diaz)
(Karo Parisyan vs. Dong Hyun Kim)
Champion Vs. Champion
By John Gagne
The fight between GSP and BJ Penn is the biggest in MMA history. Not only is there a huge rivalry between the two combatants. They are both champions in there respected weight classes. We have seen the best versions of each man over their last few fights. I do have to say; I believe that BJ has improved more than GSP has.
This fight is going to be a chess match. Both men know each others strengths and weaknesses. We saw in their first fight. That GSP virtually took BJ down at will. While BJ threw Georges off of his game with his jab and improved boxing. I personally thought if BJ trained a little more serious; he would have won that fight. BJ was too cocky back then. His ego definitely got the best of him in that fight. Now that he is taking this fight serious there may be a different outcome. I will analyze this fight and break down what each man will need to do to be victorious.
GSP will need to take BJ down, and hold him there. Even though BJ is great off his back. A guy as good as GSP should be able to avoid the submission attempts. While progressing to a better position and landing strikes. He will also need to use his reach and his kicks. Training with Kru Phil Nurse has allowed GSP’s Muay Thai to grow exponentially. His training with Team Jackson has also brought him amazing training partners. And a coach that can break down an opponent, and create a great game plan.
I do see some aspects that may affect GSP’s performance. If BJ can stop the take down. GSP may get frustrated, especially if BJ can land strikes and make him pay for his failed attempts. If he allows BJ to counter punch and use his jab, he may not leave this fight the winner.
For BJ to win he needs to avoid takedowns. That is really the biggest and most important factor of tis fight. If he can sprawl and brawl. BJ can take this fight. He also needs to out strike GSP, which he is capable of and some say may have already done. His BJJ will only come into play if GSP can get tired, or get stunned and give BJ an opening.
I think we all know what BJ cannot do in this fight…get taken down. If he is fighting off his back, it will be a long night. In the past if BJ cannot implement his game, or stay off his back he tends to fight poorly.
Saturday night’s main event will come down to a game of inches. The first person to make a mistake, will pay for it. I do think that BJ will be victorious. I just think he has the ability to get into GSP’s head and throw him off his game. Its going to be a war, and it could go the other way. But I do not see that happening. BJ in the 4th via TKO
I would definitely place a bet on this fight. Honestly, you can bet on either fighter, depending on your personal opinion. But BJ is the underdog, and the odds for him are a lot better. And he is going to finish the fight before the 25 minute mark.
THE STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES OF BJ PENN
By John Gagne
We all know that BJ Penn posses an amazing Brazilian Ju-Jitsu game, but what else does he offer. And do his weaknesses out weigh his strengths? I will review them all, and take a look at the components that make up a great fighter. And if being a great fighter in one aspect, while lacking in others. Will help or hurt him, and how much.
STRENGTHS
WEAKNESSES
Out of those strengths and weaknesses. BJ has many more strengths then weaknesses. Now we have to weigh them all. We will see how much these strengths and weaknesses. And figure out when it comes to the total package as a fighter, which prevails.
The biggest strength is without a doubt is his BJJ ability. Followed closely by his warrior spirit. These I feel are the most significant out of all BJ’s strengths. He out classes everyone he faces on the ground. And when BJ wants to fight, he is more driven then many other fighters. His Hawaiian spirit is felt every time he steps in the cage. Some would also say he has a little bit of a crazy side. As we have seen when he licks the blood of his gloves after any victory where his opponent bleeds.
As for his weaknesses, the number one is his ability to stay motivated while training. BJ has shown in many fights; like the second Matt Hughes fight or the first fight with GSP. That he does not always show up prepared. I believe his training partners and talent all attest to this. He has been known to have everyday fighters with training with him. Now I am not taking anything away from his camp. We just do not see the big names helping his preparations. His amazing talent is also weakness. Things come so easy to BJ, he thinks that at 80% he is better than most at 100%. In some cases it’s true, but that will not fly with GSP.
If I had to say pick between which BJ possesses, more strengths or weaknesses. I pick strengths. Even though the weaknesses BJ has may directly cause his demise. I do feel that his strengths will make up for it.
I don’t know if any of you caught the UFC Primetime last night on Spike TV, but I am actually really enjoying these background looks into the top fighter’s training camps. First, I am really impressed with George St Pierre’s training camp and facility. They seem to be taking this to the extreme of serious and watching GSP train (even if it’s just a glimpse) is incredible. I was actually really impressed with some of the athleticism show by George St. Pierre.
BJ Penn’s camp and training on the other hand looked more relaxed. Maybe because of the way they presented it with BJ Penn training in Hawaii while GSP trains in the harsh cold of Canada. But BJ said something last night that caught my attention. He said “I’ve been training this way for 10 years and it works for me”. Obviously the man knows what he’s doing and how to be successful. Another quote I liked I think came from his brother saying that BJ was a fighter and GSP is just an athlete. That’s a pretty powerful statement.
I’m really, really looking forward to this UFC fight. I think the UFC Primetime episodes definitely helped peak my interest too.
BJ Penn, UFC, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), georges st pierre