gumby
01-30-2009, 09:37 PM
The debate has been raging since the rematch was made official.
Will B.J. Penn's jiu-jitsu or Georges St. Pierre's wrestling prevail at UFC 94? Will Penn pound his left jab and unload a fight-ending right hand, or will St. Pierre wear out "The Prodigy" and ground-and-pound his way to another victory?
Sherdog.com spoke with dozens of professional fighters and trainers for their thoughts on how the welterweight title fight will unfold.
Din Thomas: I'm going with B.J. That fool knocked me out. That right there is an accomplishment and should say it all.
Randy Couture: I think GSP will win in the later rounds. It could go the distance. B.J. will be very sharp and dangerous early in the fight, but we see the [real] B.J. Penn at 155.
Scott Bieri: Wow! Thanks, Dana White and crew, for this one. Tough to pick between two of the most gifted fighters ever. I like Penn's skill set and fortitude to win this one. B.J. will lick Georges' blood from his gloves and throw fist-pump shakas postfight!
Rick Roufus: It has the hype of a Ray Leonard fight or a big heavyweight fight. It's a big fight to start the year off. It's gonna be a war. I don't see the fight going to the ground much. [There's] a lot of dislike between these two. Each is gonna try to take each other's head off. It's a toss-up and it's a tough fight to call. I'm going with GSP.
Guy Mezger: I am going with GSP. My head says Penn, but my gut tells me GSP.
John Hackleman: It will be a tough fight, but I think after some great standup with B.J. having the edge, GSP will get a hard-fought takedown but lose by omaplata.
Falaniko Vitale: Gotta go with the local boy. Tough fight for B.J. -- definitely another war. B.J., do your thing!
Cub Swanson: GSP by decision.
Matt Lindland: What an amazing fight. Two of the pound-for-pound best fighters in the world. I have to go with the American
and say B.J. takes this one. I am really looking forward to watching this fight.
Nate Marquardt: GSP in Round 4.
Troy Mandaloniz: B.J. is the meanest I've ever seen him. It may not be an easy fight for either of them, but B.J. is the better fighter. More technique and more heart. B.J. by TKO, Round 2.
Scott Lighty: B.J. Penn. Go Team Hawaii!
Kevin Burns: I think it's going to be one of the best fights of '09 even though it's so early in the year. I think B.J. has his number so long as he doesn't get tired and comes in shape. GSP will not go down easy, and unless he gets caught early, the fight will go into the later rounds. Can't wait to see it!
Eddy Millis: This one's tough, very tough. I believe this fight is going to be a war of attrition [with] stamina being the major factor. I'll be pulling for B.J. but believe St. Pierre may edge out a decision.
Ron Frazier: As good as GSP is, an in-shape and focused B.J. Penn is better. B.J. Penn wins a tough, hard-fought contest.
Travis Lutter: I think it will be a continuation of the last fight with B.J. doing good early and Georges dominating in the later rounds. B.J. has a puncher's chance and could submit him, but I think Georges' condition and wrestling will win in the end.
Chris Lytle: I'll say GSP based purely on the coin I just flipped. It was tails.
Mike Whitehead: B.J. by decision!
Erin Toughill: Yeah, this is a tough one, but I am gonna go with GSP. B.J. Penn is a phenom, but I think that GSP is just going to be too big, strong and athletic for him. We know that the fighter who "looks" stronger is not the one who is better. But when you have two athletes that are very well rounded across the board, I think the bigger, naturally stronger, aggressive man will have the edge. B.J. Penn's boxing is so dangerous, and GSP has his kicks. B.J. has the and GSP has the wrestling. They are both great from the clinch and hard to control. I think GSP will pick his spots with his unorthodox kicking and will go for the takedowns and ground-and-pound. I think that is where GSP will impose his will on B.J. He'll look to avoid subs from B.J. and capitalize on the openings B.J. gives him after trying to submit Georges. GSP will ground-and-pound the s--- out of him. This fight will go into the later rounds where B.J. is known to gas. I pick GSP via TKO by ground-and-pound, Round 4.
Stephane Vigneault: OK, first GSP is my friend and a training partner, [so] sure I am gonna say GSP. But the reality is GSP is too strong, too good everywhere, and he can do 10 five-minute rounds. I think Georges is gonna TKO him late in Round 3 or, maximum, beginning of Round 4. Yes, B.J. is a prodigy, but Georges is a phenom. And B.J.'s not gonna be able to keep the pace with Georges because of his size and his strength. It's gonna be the same thing [as the Matt Serra fight] in Montreal. The fight is gonna start slowly, but Georges is gonna dominate, dominate and dominate again until B.J. is too tired and it's gonna be the time to finish him.
[B]Gabe Ruediger: I've known B.J. for years, and he has always had the gift. He was meant for fighting and he has excelled at this, like he did in jiu-jitsu. GSP is great and improves every single time he fights. This fight will be great no matter what the outcome, and both guys deserve the utmost respect. This could be a matchup of two of the very best ever. That said, I'm going with B.J. His only drawback in fighting has been drive. Now that he has that, it is scary.
Stav Economou: B.J. by decision. Penn's cardio was the main factor of his loss in their last fight, but it won't be this time. B.J. is too tough and too skillful to be stopped, and with his new cardio, I think he'll win with a decision.
Patrick Cote: That will be a crazy war! I'll go with my buddy Georges in the fourth round by submission.
Kultar Gill: GSP by fourth-round ref stoppage.
Scott Epstein: What a tough fight to call. I want them both to win. In the last fight, I felt B.J. was very close to winning 'til the rib injury or whatever it was. B.J. can sub GSP, but it will have to happen in an early round before sweat -- slippery limbs are hard to snap -- and fatigue becomes a factor. Now GSP is always doing the unexpected -- taking down top-level wrestlers. Imagine he subs B.J. Calm down, I said imagine. I guess I'll have to weigh out the strengths of each competitor. Jiu-jitsu: B.J. Takedowns: GSP. Takedown defense: B.J. Boxing: B.J. Thai boxing: GSP. Wrestling: GSP. Brings hotter chicks to fights: B.J. Conditioning has always been GSP, but B.J has been working on his. It seems pretty even. I'm tossing a coin -- heads, it's B.J. … B.J it is. I can't argue with the coin.
Tom Gavrilos: Sucks that someone has to be a loser in this one. When it comes down to it, I just don't think it's possible for B.J. to be as conditioned at 170 pounds as he is at 155 pounds. He has to carry extra weight, and it's not possible for it to be even close to 15 pounds of muscle. Early advantage to B.J. If the rounds move on, the fight shifts in favor of GSP. My breakdown -- BJJ: B.J. Wrestling: GSP. Striking [all areas]: GSP. Chin: B.J. Takedown defense: B.J. Conditioning: GSP. In the end if I had to choose, I would go with B.J. Can't wait to see this fight!
Michael Guymon: This fight is going to come down to positioning, and GSP is gonna own it. I love B.J, but GSP is just too much for him. Frenchy wins this in the fourth by ground-and-pound.
James Thompson: Really finding it hard to decide a winner in this one. I keep changing my mind. In the end I am going for GSP, as I think B.J. is better at lightweight than welterweight. That's the only reason I'm giving GSP the edge.
Elvis Sinosic: GSP and B.J. are both very talented competitors. Both have top-notch striking, grappling and wrestling. I think B.J. is a whiz at lightweight. GSP is a machine at welterweight. This will be a good fight, but I believe GSP will neutralize B.J. and punish him. GSP has the size, strength and cardio to push B.J. around for five rounds. B.J. has great cardio at lightweight but has been suspect at welterweight. When skill is even [or close], size, strength, speed and cardio are what decide the match. I think B.J. should stay at lightweight and clean out that division before taking on the welterweights. GSP will win this match, but B.J. will look good in the loss. Hopefully he goes back and cleans out the lightweight division.
Rory Markham: I would love to say that this is an easy call. I would like to see B.J. win to keep the mystery of martial arts alive. Like Royce Gracie back in the day, there was an aura of invincibility reinforced by this little man with a hidden martial art that could defeat anyone. I think B.J. still gives us a bit of that feeling. Unfortunately he is going up against what appears to be the best athlete in the sport today. Georges has vastly improved in all areas of the game since their last go. I will sit back not as a fighter but as a fan and enjoy the hell out of this one.
Pros who picked St. Pierre: 15
Pros who picked Penn: 14
Pros who couldn't decide: 1
Will B.J. Penn's jiu-jitsu or Georges St. Pierre's wrestling prevail at UFC 94? Will Penn pound his left jab and unload a fight-ending right hand, or will St. Pierre wear out "The Prodigy" and ground-and-pound his way to another victory?
Sherdog.com spoke with dozens of professional fighters and trainers for their thoughts on how the welterweight title fight will unfold.
Din Thomas: I'm going with B.J. That fool knocked me out. That right there is an accomplishment and should say it all.
Randy Couture: I think GSP will win in the later rounds. It could go the distance. B.J. will be very sharp and dangerous early in the fight, but we see the [real] B.J. Penn at 155.
Scott Bieri: Wow! Thanks, Dana White and crew, for this one. Tough to pick between two of the most gifted fighters ever. I like Penn's skill set and fortitude to win this one. B.J. will lick Georges' blood from his gloves and throw fist-pump shakas postfight!
Rick Roufus: It has the hype of a Ray Leonard fight or a big heavyweight fight. It's a big fight to start the year off. It's gonna be a war. I don't see the fight going to the ground much. [There's] a lot of dislike between these two. Each is gonna try to take each other's head off. It's a toss-up and it's a tough fight to call. I'm going with GSP.
Guy Mezger: I am going with GSP. My head says Penn, but my gut tells me GSP.
John Hackleman: It will be a tough fight, but I think after some great standup with B.J. having the edge, GSP will get a hard-fought takedown but lose by omaplata.
Falaniko Vitale: Gotta go with the local boy. Tough fight for B.J. -- definitely another war. B.J., do your thing!
Cub Swanson: GSP by decision.
Matt Lindland: What an amazing fight. Two of the pound-for-pound best fighters in the world. I have to go with the American
and say B.J. takes this one. I am really looking forward to watching this fight.
Nate Marquardt: GSP in Round 4.
Troy Mandaloniz: B.J. is the meanest I've ever seen him. It may not be an easy fight for either of them, but B.J. is the better fighter. More technique and more heart. B.J. by TKO, Round 2.
Scott Lighty: B.J. Penn. Go Team Hawaii!
Kevin Burns: I think it's going to be one of the best fights of '09 even though it's so early in the year. I think B.J. has his number so long as he doesn't get tired and comes in shape. GSP will not go down easy, and unless he gets caught early, the fight will go into the later rounds. Can't wait to see it!
Eddy Millis: This one's tough, very tough. I believe this fight is going to be a war of attrition [with] stamina being the major factor. I'll be pulling for B.J. but believe St. Pierre may edge out a decision.
Ron Frazier: As good as GSP is, an in-shape and focused B.J. Penn is better. B.J. Penn wins a tough, hard-fought contest.
Travis Lutter: I think it will be a continuation of the last fight with B.J. doing good early and Georges dominating in the later rounds. B.J. has a puncher's chance and could submit him, but I think Georges' condition and wrestling will win in the end.
Chris Lytle: I'll say GSP based purely on the coin I just flipped. It was tails.
Mike Whitehead: B.J. by decision!
Erin Toughill: Yeah, this is a tough one, but I am gonna go with GSP. B.J. Penn is a phenom, but I think that GSP is just going to be too big, strong and athletic for him. We know that the fighter who "looks" stronger is not the one who is better. But when you have two athletes that are very well rounded across the board, I think the bigger, naturally stronger, aggressive man will have the edge. B.J. Penn's boxing is so dangerous, and GSP has his kicks. B.J. has the and GSP has the wrestling. They are both great from the clinch and hard to control. I think GSP will pick his spots with his unorthodox kicking and will go for the takedowns and ground-and-pound. I think that is where GSP will impose his will on B.J. He'll look to avoid subs from B.J. and capitalize on the openings B.J. gives him after trying to submit Georges. GSP will ground-and-pound the s--- out of him. This fight will go into the later rounds where B.J. is known to gas. I pick GSP via TKO by ground-and-pound, Round 4.
Stephane Vigneault: OK, first GSP is my friend and a training partner, [so] sure I am gonna say GSP. But the reality is GSP is too strong, too good everywhere, and he can do 10 five-minute rounds. I think Georges is gonna TKO him late in Round 3 or, maximum, beginning of Round 4. Yes, B.J. is a prodigy, but Georges is a phenom. And B.J.'s not gonna be able to keep the pace with Georges because of his size and his strength. It's gonna be the same thing [as the Matt Serra fight] in Montreal. The fight is gonna start slowly, but Georges is gonna dominate, dominate and dominate again until B.J. is too tired and it's gonna be the time to finish him.
[B]Gabe Ruediger: I've known B.J. for years, and he has always had the gift. He was meant for fighting and he has excelled at this, like he did in jiu-jitsu. GSP is great and improves every single time he fights. This fight will be great no matter what the outcome, and both guys deserve the utmost respect. This could be a matchup of two of the very best ever. That said, I'm going with B.J. His only drawback in fighting has been drive. Now that he has that, it is scary.
Stav Economou: B.J. by decision. Penn's cardio was the main factor of his loss in their last fight, but it won't be this time. B.J. is too tough and too skillful to be stopped, and with his new cardio, I think he'll win with a decision.
Patrick Cote: That will be a crazy war! I'll go with my buddy Georges in the fourth round by submission.
Kultar Gill: GSP by fourth-round ref stoppage.
Scott Epstein: What a tough fight to call. I want them both to win. In the last fight, I felt B.J. was very close to winning 'til the rib injury or whatever it was. B.J. can sub GSP, but it will have to happen in an early round before sweat -- slippery limbs are hard to snap -- and fatigue becomes a factor. Now GSP is always doing the unexpected -- taking down top-level wrestlers. Imagine he subs B.J. Calm down, I said imagine. I guess I'll have to weigh out the strengths of each competitor. Jiu-jitsu: B.J. Takedowns: GSP. Takedown defense: B.J. Boxing: B.J. Thai boxing: GSP. Wrestling: GSP. Brings hotter chicks to fights: B.J. Conditioning has always been GSP, but B.J has been working on his. It seems pretty even. I'm tossing a coin -- heads, it's B.J. … B.J it is. I can't argue with the coin.
Tom Gavrilos: Sucks that someone has to be a loser in this one. When it comes down to it, I just don't think it's possible for B.J. to be as conditioned at 170 pounds as he is at 155 pounds. He has to carry extra weight, and it's not possible for it to be even close to 15 pounds of muscle. Early advantage to B.J. If the rounds move on, the fight shifts in favor of GSP. My breakdown -- BJJ: B.J. Wrestling: GSP. Striking [all areas]: GSP. Chin: B.J. Takedown defense: B.J. Conditioning: GSP. In the end if I had to choose, I would go with B.J. Can't wait to see this fight!
Michael Guymon: This fight is going to come down to positioning, and GSP is gonna own it. I love B.J, but GSP is just too much for him. Frenchy wins this in the fourth by ground-and-pound.
James Thompson: Really finding it hard to decide a winner in this one. I keep changing my mind. In the end I am going for GSP, as I think B.J. is better at lightweight than welterweight. That's the only reason I'm giving GSP the edge.
Elvis Sinosic: GSP and B.J. are both very talented competitors. Both have top-notch striking, grappling and wrestling. I think B.J. is a whiz at lightweight. GSP is a machine at welterweight. This will be a good fight, but I believe GSP will neutralize B.J. and punish him. GSP has the size, strength and cardio to push B.J. around for five rounds. B.J. has great cardio at lightweight but has been suspect at welterweight. When skill is even [or close], size, strength, speed and cardio are what decide the match. I think B.J. should stay at lightweight and clean out that division before taking on the welterweights. GSP will win this match, but B.J. will look good in the loss. Hopefully he goes back and cleans out the lightweight division.
Rory Markham: I would love to say that this is an easy call. I would like to see B.J. win to keep the mystery of martial arts alive. Like Royce Gracie back in the day, there was an aura of invincibility reinforced by this little man with a hidden martial art that could defeat anyone. I think B.J. still gives us a bit of that feeling. Unfortunately he is going up against what appears to be the best athlete in the sport today. Georges has vastly improved in all areas of the game since their last go. I will sit back not as a fighter but as a fan and enjoy the hell out of this one.
Pros who picked St. Pierre: 15
Pros who picked Penn: 14
Pros who couldn't decide: 1