UFC 152 -Jones v. Belfort, Johnson v. Benevidez, Stann/Bisping - Toronto - Sept 22.

[aholbert32]

BJ Penn agreed to come out of retirement and fight Rory Mcdonald.

[Pappy Knuckles]

BJ turns down a fight with Koscheck, but then turns around and accepts one with MacDonald? Interesting. This fight is a lot more intriguing to me. I look forward to seeing what BJ has left in the tank after that beatdown he took against Diaz.

[ex carrabba fan]

So many things confuse me about this entire situation

1. Why in the world did Rory call out BJ? That was so random to me. What does that even do for Rory going forward? You beat an old BJ who hasn't looked at all good in most of his recent fights
2. Why is BJ coming back in September? Does he realize how soon that's coming? He looked like a fatass in his latest interview with Jay Glazer
3. Why is BJ fighting at 170? He might be cool for this fight, but if he plans on making one last run there's no way he's going to get past the bigger and wrestler-style WW's

Don't get me wrong, I love that Penn is coming back but I don't get the match making here and I don't think BJ is giving himself enough time to properly train. I don't think he's going back to the right division at all.

I don't have a good feeling about BJ in this bout...

[aholbert32]

Quote: Originally Posted by ex carrabba fan

So many things confuse me about this entire situation 1. Why in the world did Rory call out BJ? That was so random to me. What does that even do for Rory going forward? You beat an old BJ who hasn't looked at all good in most of his recent fights 2. Why is BJ coming back in September? Does he realize how soon that's coming? He looked like a fatass in his latest interview with Jay Glazer 3. Why is BJ fighting at 170? He might be cool for this fight, but if he plans on making one last run there's no way he's going to get past the bigger and wrestler-style WW's Don't get me wrong, I love that Penn is coming back but I don't get the match making here and I don't think BJ is giving himself enough time to properly train. I don't think he's going back to the right division at all. I don't have a good feeling about BJ in this bout...

1.) I think its a brilliant move by Rory. BJ is probably the most well known WW behind GSP and slightly ahead of Diaz. Rory has a great record but he doesnt have a win over a named fighter. Penn is a much easier fight than against other named fighters in the division like Koscheck and Fitch.

2.) BJ has over 3 mos to do the cut. He should be able to get to 170 easy.

3.) I think the UFC offered him a ****load of money for this fight. The UFC needed a main event for the Toronto card. They want McDonald to be a huge star. Other than Diaz, Penn is the only name in WW without a belt that can draw crowds.

[ex carrabba fan]

A win over BJ Penn really, IMO, doesn't do much for me. Calling out BJ Penn might be great for you mystique but in reality it's actually going backwards. You're taking a step down in competition at this point. BJ Penn in reality doesn't deserve a fight against Rory.

Unless BJ has been training and none of us have known about it, coming back to fight in the UFC in 3 months is pretty bold. Sure he could make weight, but what about getting into actual fighting shape? In the interview with Glazer he said he wasn't coming back anytime soon.

Both LW and WW divisions are tough but I think he'd have more fun and more chance at success at LW. At WW people are just going to try to hold him down and put him against the fence all night... LW's will be more willing to "fight" him and put on exciting shows. Dudes are just gonna be too big for BJ at WW..

[redsrule]

And if BJ wins this fight, it could come to bite them in the ***. These injuries to everyone has been hurting the UFC bigtime it seems. Wouldn't be surprised to see a bigger fight still in the main event, especially since the UFC loves putting on big cards in Canada.

[aholbert32]

Quote: Originally Posted by ex carrabba fan

A win over BJ Penn really, IMO, doesn't do much for me. Calling out BJ Penn might be great for you mystique but in reality it's actually going backwards. You're taking a step down in competition at this point. BJ Penn in reality doesn't deserve a fight against Rory. Unless BJ has been training and none of us have known about it, coming back to fight in the UFC in 3 months is pretty bold. Sure he could make weight, but what about getting into actual fighting shape? In the interview with Glazer he said he wasn't coming back anytime soon. Both LW and WW divisions are tough but I think he'd have more fun and more chance at success at LW. At WW people are just going to try to hold him down and put him against the fence all night... LW's will be more willing to "fight" him and put on exciting shows. Dudes are just gonna be too big for BJ at WW..

Who else could he fight? Rory is considered the #5 WW in the UFC. Condit/GSP are fighting in November and its expected that Kampmann/Hendricks are expected to fight this fall. Diaz is out until 2013. There is no one else above him. Every other fight is a step down. Fitch is hurt. Koscheck doesnt do much for him.

[aholbert32]

Quote: Originally Posted by redsrule

And if BJ wins this fight, it could come to bite them in the ***. These injuries to everyone has been hurting the UFC bigtime it seems. Wouldn't be surprised to see a bigger fight still in the main event, especially since the UFC loves putting on big cards in Canada.

If BJ Penn wins, the UFC promotes that BJ PENN IS BACK! He either goes down to 155 or fights Diaz/Kos/Fitch in winter 2013. Rory's loss doesnt hurt him much because he's young and he lost to a hall of famer.

Doubt there is a bigger fight in Toronto. All the belts are held up. WW not until Nov. HW not until October/November. LHW is being defended at 151, MW not until late Fall. LW is defended at 150. Unless they have Aldo defend at a second Canadian card in a row, I dont see a title fight.