Rogan Declares Remarkable Lightweight Champion, Introduces Him to Nurmagomedov
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UFC commentator Joe Rogan, known for his candid opinions, named BJ Penn as the greatest lightweight contender in history, according to his podcast. He justified his assertion by referring to Penn's training regime under Marv Marinovich, focusing on plyometrics, explosive exercises, and sprints to enhance his endurance.
Rogan elaborated on Penn's opponents and victories: "He could already fight: he's a champion, he won't forget. But with that gas tank, he was unbeatable...", praising his ability to dominate the likes of Joe Stevenson, Sean Sherk, and Diego Sanchez, even suspecting that he might have prevailed over current lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Rogan also speculated about the matchup between Penn and Georges St-Pierre, another legendary fighter, citing the size difference as a crucial factor. He argued that despite St-Pierre's wrestling and grappling skills, Penn's agility and flexibility would be challenging to handle, especially in his powerful guard position.
It's important to mention that BJ Penn and Georges St-Pierre have squared off twice, with St-Pierre winning both times. In 2006, St-Pierre claimed a split decision victory, and in 2009, the corner stopped the fight in the fourth round due to Penn's severe eye injury sustained over the course of the bout.
Notable opponents in BJ Penn's career include Joe Stevenson, whom he defeated to secure the lightweight title via rear-naked choke, and Georges St-Pierre, with whom he had two memorable encounters, losing both times. His fight against Sean Sherk and Diego Sanchez also underscored his impressive versatility across different weight classes.
Penn's battles with Georges St-Pierre stand out for their intensity and closeness. In UFC 58, Penn lost via split decision, marking one of the closest and most debated decisions in UFC history. In their rematch at UFC 94, Penn's corner stopped the fight after the fourth round due to accumulated damage and a severe eye injury. These fights reinforced St-Pierre's dominance in the welterweight division and elevated his status as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history.
Bookmakers might consider BJ Penn a formidable opponent, given his history in mixed-martial-arts, especially in the welterweight division. His training regime, which includes plyometrics and explosive exercises, could give him an edge in endurance. If a hypothetical match between him and current lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov were to occur, it would be a fascinating spectacle. Despite the size difference with another legendary fighter, Georges St-Pierre, Penn's agility and guard position could pose challenges, as observed by UFC commentator Joe Rogan.
