Perhaps the lack of hostility and the amount of respect that BJ Penn and Joe Stevenson have for one another heading into their showdown this weekend are among the reasons no one seems to be amped for this fight.
Even if you don’t like the rest of the card this main event is going to showcase a nice scrap.
Not to mention it will crown a new lightweight champion and set up some great fights for the remainder of 2008 (barring shoulder surgery, steroid suspension or some other issue, of course).
Wake up, maniacs. Sheesh.
BJ Penn on Joe Stevenson:
Joe Stevenson on BJ Penn:
For the rest of the UFC 80: “Rapid Fire” fight card click here.
January 14th, 2008
42 Comments »
Bj wins in the first. Anyway he wants.
I really think BJ Penn is overlooking Joe Stevenson. I think he wants a more headlining name like GSP, Sherk, Hughes or Matt Serra before he fights Joe. I think he is overlooking Joe heavily, and I think Penn is going to take this fight lightly. Period.
I do believe Joe is going to win a decision here, then BJ will go back up to 170.
aside from this fight, the card blows. I wouldn’t be surprised if the UFC has it’s lowest numbers to date with this one.
I think BJ will want to dominate this one and will come well prepared.
I will be watching this one from BWW or Sidepockets.
Mania/Jesse,
Did I miss the viewing locations post or is still to come?
Bj should win, but Stevenson has surprised me a few times, so it’s anybody’s game really. I didnt bet on this fight.
Oh god I hope BJ wins, he’s earned it.
I could care less if these guys are mad at each other or not, the card fn sucks and I wont be buying. No good fights, no $50 for the UFC.
MMAmania……….
Sorry to be off topic here, but did you guys get the mmaplayground invites together yet?? I havent received mine yet, if so.
I am in another camp, but would like to be a part of this one. Can you let me know what is going on with the mmaplayground. Thanks!
[quote comment=”266975″]MMAmania……….
Sorry to be off topic here, but did you guys get the mmaplayground invites together yet?? I havent received mine yet, if so.
I am in another camp, but would like to be a part of this one. Can you let me know what is going on with the mmaplayground. Thanks![/quote]
We did them all. Some couldn’t go through because several of the people are still associated with other fight camps. If that’s the case then leave your other camp and then leave us your account ID so we can try adding you again.
“Perhaps the lack of hostility and the amount of respect that BJ Penn and Joe Stevenson have for one another heading into their showdown this weekend are among the reasons no one seems to be amped for this fight . . . Wake up, maniacs. Sheesh.”
No, it’s the increase in PPV prices to watch a mediocre card either at 3 pm or a taped re-play at 10 pm. I think getting UFC 70 for free on SpikeTV really spoiled us. Now we never want to pay for another British card. Of course, having better matchups could always overcome the sticker shock, but paying $50 to watch Jess Liaudin, Jorge Rivera, Fabricio Wedrum, Wilson Gouveia and Jason Lambert just isn’t going to cut it. This would be a decent Fight Night card, but that’s about all.
[quote comment=”267002″]”Perhaps the lack of hostility and the amount of respect that BJ Penn and Joe Stevenson have for one another heading into their showdown this weekend are among the reasons no one seems to be amped for this fight . . . Wake up, maniacs. Sheesh.”
No, it’s the increase in PPV prices to watch a mediocre card either at 3 pm or a taped re-play at 10 pm. I think getting UFC 70 for free on SpikeTV really spoiled us. Now we never want to pay for another British card. Of course, having better matchups could always overcome the sticker shock, but paying $50 to watch Jess Liaudin, Jorge Rivera, Fabricio Wedrum, Wilson Gouveia and Jason Lambert just isn’t going to cut it. This would be a decent Fight Night card, but that’s about all.[/quote]
I have to agree…I order every PPV, but this will be the 1st I watch at a sports establishment. If BJ wasn’t fighting, I would probably still watch it, but maybe not live.
[quote comment=”266954″]Oh god I hope BJ wins, he’s earned it.[/quote]
How has he earned it. By losing twice at 170 and dropping down to 155 and beating Jens who should have been at 145. I guess BJ’s side job is under Dana white’s desk cause he sure gets alot of title shots.
BJ knows best then to underestimate Mr. Joe Stevenson..Lil oldschool Matt Hughes..Joe is just not the same page of BJ`s striking..in and out. Wrestling Joe is off the charts..but so is BJ`s..the prodigy..the first Non Brazilian to win the World Championships of BJJ in the Black Belt division..where Joe has great a great submission game mainly with his leglocks/G.Choke..soild ground defense.
If Joe winz..it`s the first upset of 2008. Can he do it?? Oh yes he can..will he do it..I think not. Joes is a warrior of heart..and this fight because BJ Penn is fighting Joe Stevenson will be the main reason why not UFC 80 sky dives in PPV sales..hopefully there are some good fight surprises..just pray.
BJ Penn is expected by many including myself to win this title match…Joe has earned it..so has BJ as some may question why..BJ is like a Dan Henderson of types..he can a title shot on his name alone. I expect crazy offense and defense in the BJJ..GnP..Takedowns into reverses..all types of crazy MMA stuff will go down in the octogan with those two..BJ will be the next lw Champ and face the former (Steroid felon) Sherk..I wonder how the ufc commentary will promote this next match with Sherk getting pinched on the roid charges..How will they skip around this topic will intrest me.
I think this is Penn’s fight to loose. If he is properly motivated, focused and disciplined, I think he will get the win fairly handily. If he is looking past Stevenson, as others have asserted on this blog, then Stevenson could pull the upset, but it will still be close.
BTW, I agree, this really is a sub-par card and should not be PPV.
Weak card overall, but I’m looking forward to seeing where BJ Penn is at. I’m hoping this fight will look something like GSP vs. Koscheck - a driven dethroned champ vs. more or less an up-and-comer (even though it’s a title fight) and build to a decisive win over arguably the true OR steroid champ, depending on how you want to view Sean Sherk. I got my fingers crossed for this outcome.
HOWEVER, of course anything can happen in this game and BJ Penn has a history of underachievement relative to his abilities. Has he finally found his formula to consistently succeed in MMA? Has he learned from his mistakes and gone to the next level? We’ll find out..
A loss here should be pretty devastating for BJ Penn and his career, and will make a lot of people start to wonder if he will go down as the biggest disappointment in MMA considering his potential. He said himself, everybody’s always telling him that he’s the best and he’s gonna be champ again so he needs to go out there and prove them right.
[quote comment=”267026″][quote comment=”266954″]Oh god I hope BJ wins, he’s earned it.[/quote]
How has he earned it. By losing twice at 170 and dropping down to 155 and beating Jens who should have been at 145. I guess BJ’s side job is under Dana white’s desk cause he sure gets alot of title shots.[/quote]
Penn has earned it because he’s one of the most dangerous pound for pound fighters in the world. Look at what happend after he fought to a draw with Caol Uno, he came back and won the belt from the reighning two year champ Matt Hughes at a weight class above what he is used to fighting at. Penn is marketable in the UFC, just like Randy Couture, Chuck Liddell, Tito Ortiz, GSP, etc. Not two mention his two losses at 170 were against two of the best fighters in that weight class and both are future hall of famers, and both fights could have gone either way.
Mania,
My comments are always awaiting moderation EVEN THOUGH I have written anything offensive. What’s up?
[quote comment=”267120″]Mania,
My comments are always awaiting moderation EVEN THOUGH I have written anything offensive. What’s up?[/quote]
I have not written anything offensive.
Have to agree the butter is spread thin on this card…
Good luck to both Penn and Stevenson…
Also looking forward to Werdum and Gonzaga…
Didn’t know they increased it for this one…definitely won’t pay for this one…Hooters Fremont!
[quote comment=”266928″]aside from this fight, the card blows. I wouldn’t be surprised if the UFC has it’s lowest numbers to date with this one.[/quote]
The live at 3pm EST/tape delay later on really sucks too. This will be amazing how poorly this ppv sells.
Frankly, I think the amount of respect/lack of hostility has ZERO to do with the lack of buzz to date.
Great show of respect for each other that is what MMA or martial arts is about showing one respect for there opponent. great honor for both fighters cant wait to see bj fight again. looking forward him taking the belt anyhow good luck to joe as well
Wow, BJ looked to be in phenomenal shape in UFC Countdown. This is a bad fight for Joe Daddy. I think Joe will be a champ, just not on Saturday.
just went to bj penn site and bj is training with good training partners such as hermes franca and pro boxers bj look great cant wait to see this. bj is my favorite fighter of all time.
just watching the countdown and these vids
im pretty pumped about this even
come on joe!
[quote comment=”267026″][quote comment=”266954″]Oh god I hope BJ wins, he’s earned it.[/quote]
How has he earned it. By losing twice at 170 and dropping down to 155 and beating Jens who should have been at 145. I guess BJ’s side job is under Dana white’s desk cause he sure gets alot of title shots.[/quote]
First off, BJ is easily one of the most talented guys in the sport. What other LWs would give GSP and Hughes the fights he did??
The LW title just came back, and the 2 guys that fought for it (Florian and Sherk) did a hell of a lot less than BJ has to earn a shot. Hermes Franca had one UFC fight against Spencer Fisher and he got a title shot. When this fight was originally booked as Sherk vs. Penn for November, no other LW deserved a shot over BJ at that point. Edgar had 2 wins and needed at least 1 more to solitify his status (he later got that win against Fisher). Griffin lost to Edgar and then squeeked by Guida. NO ONE at that point stood out as a #1 contender.
Respect BJ’s popularity, talent, and history, because that’s why he’s getting this fight.
Anyway, I’m excited for this fight. I’m not ordering the PPV, though. I’ll catch it online the next day.
[quote comment=”266927″]I really think BJ Penn is overlooking Joe Stevenson. I think he wants a more headlining name like GSP, Sherk, Hughes or Matt Serra before he fights Joe. I think he is overlooking Joe heavily, and I think Penn is going to take this fight lightly. Period.
I do believe Joe is going to win a decision here, then BJ will go back up to 170.[/quote]
I think you’re right about everything except… BJ will win.
[quote comment=”267002″]”Perhaps the lack of hostility and the amount of respect that BJ Penn and Joe Stevenson have for one another heading into their showdown this weekend are among the reasons no one seems to be amped for this fight . . . Wake up, maniacs. Sheesh.”
No, it’s the increase in PPV prices to watch a mediocre card either at 3 pm or a taped re-play at 10 pm. I think getting UFC 70 for free on SpikeTV really spoiled us. Now we never want to pay for another British card. Of course, having better matchups could always overcome the sticker shock, but paying $50 to watch Jess Liaudin, Jorge Rivera, Fabricio Wedrum, Wilson Gouveia and Jason Lambert just isn’t going to cut it. This would be a decent Fight Night card, but that’s about all.[/quote]
It is probably worse than a mediocre card and the anticipated fight was always BJ vs Sherk… plus they’re following a awesome show in UFC 79!!!,,, that’s a hellva’ tough act to follow!
[quote comment=”267080″]BJ knows best then to underestimate Mr. Joe Stevenson..Lil oldschool Matt Hughes..Joe is just not the same page of BJ`s striking..in and out. Wrestling Joe is off the charts..but so is BJ`s..the prodigy..the first Non Brazilian to win the World Championships of BJJ in the Black Belt division..where Joe has great a great submission game mainly with his leglocks/G.Choke..soild ground defense.
If Joe winz..it`s the first upset of 2008. Can he do it?? Oh yes he can..will he do it..I think not. Joes is a warrior of heart..and this fight because BJ Penn is fighting Joe Stevenson will be the main reason why not UFC 80 sky dives in PPV sales..hopefully there are some good fight surprises..just pray.
BJ Penn is expected by many including myself to win this title match…Joe has earned it..so has BJ as some may question why..BJ is like a Dan Henderson of types..he can a title shot on his name alone. I expect crazy offense and defense in the BJJ..GnP..Takedowns into reverses..a
Yo mania whats the deal…u just erased my whole post for no reason and I dont have the time to re write it. It was a very well thought post that took me some time, I didnt use any profanity nor did I attack any other blogger….Whats the deal with that man!
I will probably always pay $50 to watch BJ fight. It’s like watching someone jump out of a plane, and not knowing if he has a parachute on.
[quote comment=”267517″]just watching the countdown and these vids
im pretty pumped about this even
come on joe![/quote]
I had forgotten about the countdown until 11:25 last night, so I turned it on then. I saw the BJ Penn segment on, but missed the Steveson segment.
MANIA, do you know when they will be replaying?
[quote post=”4533″]Hermes Franca had one UFC fight against Spencer Fisher and he got a title shot. [/quote]
Hermes did more than just beat Spencer Fisher to earn his title shot. His first 2 fights in the UFC were just a month and a half apart, taking place at UFC 61 and 62. He submitted Joe Jordan, then Jamie Varner. As a sidenote, inbetween those 2 fights, and his fight with Spencer, Franca submitted Nate Diaz in the WEC. I saw the fight a while back, and Nate looked VERY good in the first round. Franca’s fight with Spencer Fisher was a #1 contender fight to see who would fight Sherk. If Spencer would have won, he would have gotten a title shot.
WOW, I just realized that I left 4 fights off of Hermes UFC record. I will just copy/paste due to time constraints:
Loss Yves Edwards Decision (Split) UFC 47-It’s On 4/2/2004 3, 5:00
Loss Josh Thomson Decision (Majority) UFC 46-Supernatural 1/31/2004 3, 5:00
Win Caol Uno KO (Punch) UFC 44-Undisputed 9/26/2003 2, 2:46
Win Richard Crunkilton Decision (Unanimous) UFC 42-Sudden Impact 4/25/2003 3, 5:00
[quote comment=”267904″][quote comment=”267517″]just watching the countdown and these vids
im pretty pumped about this even
come on joe![/quote]
I had forgotten about the countdown until 11:25 last night, so I turned it on then. I saw the BJ Penn segment on, but missed the Steveson segment.
MANIA, do you know when they will be replaying?
[quote post=”4533″]Hermes Franca had one UFC fight against Spencer Fisher and he got a title shot. [/quote]
Hermes did more than just beat Spencer Fisher to earn his title shot. His first 2 fights in the UFC were just a month and a half apart, taking place at UFC 61 and 62. He submitted Joe Jordan, then Jamie Varner. As a sidenote, inbetween those 2 fights, and his fight with Spencer, Franca submitted Nate Diaz in the WEC. I saw the fight a while back, and Nate looked VERY good in the first round. Franca’s fight with Spencer Fisher was a #1 contender fight to see who would fight Sherk. If Spencer would have won, he would have gotten a title shot.[/quote]
VoilentMike: I pretty sure they will have the countdown again on Saturday at 2pm. Spike.
BJ really needs to prove something here. He would be wise to stay off the ground and keep it on the feet since stevenson’s only chance of winning is through gnp or submission. If BJ were smart he’d look at how Josh Neer completely dominated stevenson, embarrasing him in front of the whole school.
I really wish sherk were out of the picture. I don’t really care whether he used roids or not–i just can’t stand watching him fight. Sherk is the most one-dimentional lay’n'pray punk in the UFC and if Dana has any business savy his days are numbered.
BJ’s head seems to have grown several sizes since his lackluster win over pulver. If he thinks he can hang w/GSP he’s in for a very rude awakening. the GSP he fought has gotten much MUCH better– just look at how he destroyed kos and hughes. Penn may beat stevenson, but then he hits a brick wall with sherk and gsp–penn will not even defend the lw title once–my prediction.
I don’t know if this card is SO bad. The title fight, Gonzaga wearing out Werdum’s ass, and Davis and Grove are always exciting to watch. The main event should be a good one- both fighters are very tough. A top form BJ should probably win, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Joe pull it out.
[quote comment=”267080″]BJ knows best then to underestimate Mr. Joe Stevenson..Lil oldschool Matt Hughes..Joe is just not the same page of BJ`s striking..in and out. Wrestling Joe is off the charts..but so is BJ`s..the prodigy..the first Non Brazilian to win the World Championships of BJJ in the Black Belt division..where Joe has great a great submission game mainly with his leglocks/G.Choke..soild ground defense.
If Joe winz..it`s the first upset of 2008. Can he do it?? Oh yes he can..will he do it..I think not. Joes is a warrior of heart..and this fight because BJ Penn is fighting Joe Stevenson will be the main reason why not UFC 80 sky dives in PPV sales..hopefully there are some good fight surprises..just pray.
BJ Penn is expected by many including myself to win this title match…Joe has earned it..so has BJ as some may question why..BJ is like a Dan Henderson of types..he can a title shot on his name alone. I expect crazy offense and defense in the BJJ..GnP..Takedowns into reverses..all types of crazy MMA stuff will go down in the octogan with those two..BJ will be the next lw Champ and face the former (Steroid felon) Sherk..I wonder how the ufc commentary will promote this next match with Sherk getting pinched on the roid charges..How will they skip around this topic will intrest me.[/quote]
PhilQNY: This was a wonderful post. Well thought, highly accurate and unbiased towards either fighter. Joe stevenson is at a huge disadvantage in this fight. Penn can go out and find a million training partners to mimick Joe’s style. There are a million Joe stevenson’s in mma like:Hughes, Sherk…and countless of over strong, stumpy, submission wrestlers. The problem for Joe is that there is only 1 BJ Penn and it will be impossible for Joe to find any trainig partners that can mimick
Penn’s skill set.
I watched Countdown to UFC 80 last night and BJ seemed to be in amazing shape, and that show was taped weeks ago. I am anticipating the best conditioned and best version of BJ Penn that has ever set foot in the octagon. Which is a scarry thought for Joe, because when BJ is in shape….LOOK OUT!
Also, the maturation of Penn has been great to see. He is starting to take his legacy very seriously, thus training harder and better then ever, which all spells trouble for Joe.
No disrespect to Joe because he is a tough, skilled, scrappy, GAME fighter but I really dont see him at that elite level that BJ Penn is in. When BJ is in shape, he is in a league with GSP, anderson Silva and the other pound 4 pound best fighters on the planet!
Mania, U provide us with this great site, feedingus all the latest news and giving us a Forum to express our idea’s and thoughts on mma. i just realized that u never give your own opinion. I am curious for your personal opinion on the Penn/Stevenson fight, just this one time….Tell us what u think!
[quote post=”4533″]BJ will be the next lw Champ and face the former (Steroid felon) Sherk..I wonder how the ufc commentary will promote this next match with Sherk getting pinched on the roid charges..How will they skip around this topic will intrest me. [/quote]
Nah man, on the official UFC 80 site, Dana White doesnt skip anything, he tells everybody what happened with the Steroid thing.
And man I don’t get this need for animosity between the two fighters, to get pumped up for a fight. I’m pumped for this, trash talking or not, but the rest of the card def is lacking.
[quote comment=”268107″][quote post=”4533″]BJ will be the next lw Champ and face the former (Steroid felon) Sherk..I wonder how the ufc commentary will promote this next match with Sherk getting pinched on the roid charges..How will they skip around this topic will intrest me. [/quote]
Nah man, on the official UFC 80 site, Dana White doesnt skip anything, he tells everybody what happened with the Steroid thing.
And man I don’t get this need for animosity between the two fighters, to get pumped up for a fight. I’m pumped for this, trash talking or not, but the rest of the card def is lacking.[/quote]
Yeah Man..Dana answered my question last night when I saw the countdown.
[quote comment=”268002″][quote comment=”267080″]BJ knows best then to underestimate Mr. Joe Stevenson..Lil oldschool Matt Hughes..Joe is just not the same page of BJ`s striking..in and out. Wrestling Joe is off the charts..but so is BJ`s..the prodigy..the first Non Brazilian to win the World Championships of BJJ in the Black Belt division..where Joe has great a great submission game mainly with his leglocks/G.Choke..soild ground defense.
If Joe winz..it`s the first upset of 2008. Can he do it?? Oh yes he can..will he do it..I think not. Joes is a warrior of heart..and this fight because BJ Penn is fighting Joe Stevenson will be the main reason why not UFC 80 sky dives in PPV sales..hopefully there are some good fight surprises..just pray.
BJ Penn is expected by many including myself to win this title match…Joe has earned it..so has BJ as some may question why..BJ is like a Dan Henderson of types..he can a title shot on his name alone. I expect crazy offense and defense in the BJJ..GnP..Takedowns into reverses..all types of crazy MMA stuff will go down in the octogan with those two..BJ will be the next lw Champ and face the former (Steroid felon) Sherk..I wonder how the ufc commentary will promote this next match with Sherk getting pinched on the roid charges..How will they skip around this topic will intrest me.[/quote]
PhilQNY: This was a wonderful post. Well thought, highly accurate and unbiased towards either fighter. Joe stevenson is at a huge disadvantage in this fight. Penn can go out and find a million training partners to mimick Joe’s style. There are a million Joe stevenson’s in mma like:Hughes, Sherk…and countless of over strong, stumpy, submission wrestlers. The problem for Joe is that there is only 1 BJ Penn and it will be impossible for Joe to find any trainig partners that can mimick
Penn’s skill set.
I watched Countdown to UFC 80 last night and BJ seemed to be in amazing shape, and that show was taped weeks ago. I am anticipating the best conditioned and best version of BJ Penn that has ever set foot in the octagon. Which is a scarry thought for Joe, because when BJ is in shape….LOOK OUT!
Also, the maturation of Penn has been great to see. He is starting to take his legacy very seriously, thus training harder and better then ever, which all spells trouble for Joe.
No disrespect to Joe because he is a tough, skilled, scrappy, GAME fighter but I really dont see him at that elite level that BJ Penn is in. When BJ is in shape, he is in a league with GSP, anderson Silva and the other pound 4 pound best fighters on the planet![/quote]
John: You hit dead on. You made some great points.
[quote post=”4533″]How has he earned it. By losing twice at 170 and dropping down to 155 and beating Jens who should have been at 145. I guess BJ’s side job is under Dana white’s desk cause he sure gets alot of title shots. [/quote]
i was gonna say it but you already did//somone please explain to me how he deserves this shot over huerta, florian, even frank edgar deserves it more than BJ. Win at least one legit match after dropping back to 155 at least someone in the top 10
This is going to be an amazing fight. These two guys rule. I hate that one of them has to lose.