PENN IN UFC LIGHTWEIGHT LIMBO
UFC Fight Night 20 was thought to deliver a hands down number one contender to B.J. Penn's title. It did not. Instead, it left more questions and uncertainty throughout an already B.J. Penn dismantled 155 pound division. Top ten ranked lightweight Gray Maynard won a split decision in the main event at Fight Night 20 over rival and TUF 5 winner, Nate Diaz. Although Maynard was the favourite to win and improved to 9-0, his lackluster performance may have stopped his lightweight title ambitions dead in their tracks.
From beginning to end, Gray wanted nothing to do with the submission specialist's ground game, electing to keep the fight standing. However, sloppy exchanges from both sides and Hail Mary bombs that all fell short riddled the fight. Despite the fact, Maynard's face was beaten and cut by Diaz who isn't celebrated for his striking abilities. Maynard didn't look like nor does he look ready to be the next man to face B.J. Penn.
Since returning to the lightweight division, Penn has destroyed all top challengers such as, Kenny Florian, Diego Sanchez and Sean Sherk. On the same level of Georges St-Pierre and Anderson Silva in their respectable divisions, Penn is simply dominant with no real threats in sight. After Maynard's disappointing performance, many have speculated that 11-1 Frankie Edgar will get the call from the UFC's head office. Edgar has won three of his last four outings that include impressive victories over Sean Sherk and Matt Veach and losing to Maynard. If Frankie does get the call from UFC matchmaker, Joe Silva, the two are expected to duke it out over five championship rounds in Abu Dhabi at UFC 112.
Imported from Japan, Takanori Gomi is another option for a future fight with Penn. However, Gomi must be successful amongst the other UFC lightweights first. Penn and Gomi do have history, in 2003, Penn submitted him with a rear naked choke in their first and only meeting. Since then, Gomi went on to become a huge star in Japan and was the last Pride lightweight champion.
Now might be the perfect time for the UFC to look at luring other promotion's talent into the Octagon, most notably the Dream promotion in Japan. Dream lightweight champion, Shinya Aoki, is arguably Penn's biggest test right now at 155. Other Dream notables include Tatsuya Kawajiri, Bellator champion Eddie Alvarez and former Dream champ Joachim Hansen.
Within the next year or two, fight fans may be faced with an Anderson Silva like dilemma with Penn and the UFC lightweight division. Not enough legitimate challengers at 155 may force a bored Penn to move up to 170. Of course, this will lead to less title defenses and the reemergence of past victims of Penn. Frankie Edgar certainly hopes he will provide "The Answer" to Penn's reign if he should get the call next. Realistically though, the UFC is going to have to make some moves to keep the lightweight championship fights exciting. As well as keeping their champ happy.
From beginning to end, Gray wanted nothing to do with the submission specialist's ground game, electing to keep the fight standing. However, sloppy exchanges from both sides and Hail Mary bombs that all fell short riddled the fight. Despite the fact, Maynard's face was beaten and cut by Diaz who isn't celebrated for his striking abilities. Maynard didn't look like nor does he look ready to be the next man to face B.J. Penn.
Since returning to the lightweight division, Penn has destroyed all top challengers such as, Kenny Florian, Diego Sanchez and Sean Sherk. On the same level of Georges St-Pierre and Anderson Silva in their respectable divisions, Penn is simply dominant with no real threats in sight. After Maynard's disappointing performance, many have speculated that 11-1 Frankie Edgar will get the call from the UFC's head office. Edgar has won three of his last four outings that include impressive victories over Sean Sherk and Matt Veach and losing to Maynard. If Frankie does get the call from UFC matchmaker, Joe Silva, the two are expected to duke it out over five championship rounds in Abu Dhabi at UFC 112.
Imported from Japan, Takanori Gomi is another option for a future fight with Penn. However, Gomi must be successful amongst the other UFC lightweights first. Penn and Gomi do have history, in 2003, Penn submitted him with a rear naked choke in their first and only meeting. Since then, Gomi went on to become a huge star in Japan and was the last Pride lightweight champion.
Now might be the perfect time for the UFC to look at luring other promotion's talent into the Octagon, most notably the Dream promotion in Japan. Dream lightweight champion, Shinya Aoki, is arguably Penn's biggest test right now at 155. Other Dream notables include Tatsuya Kawajiri, Bellator champion Eddie Alvarez and former Dream champ Joachim Hansen.
Within the next year or two, fight fans may be faced with an Anderson Silva like dilemma with Penn and the UFC lightweight division. Not enough legitimate challengers at 155 may force a bored Penn to move up to 170. Of course, this will lead to less title defenses and the reemergence of past victims of Penn. Frankie Edgar certainly hopes he will provide "The Answer" to Penn's reign if he should get the call next. Realistically though, the UFC is going to have to make some moves to keep the lightweight championship fights exciting. As well as keeping their champ happy.
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