UFC 94 fallout -- What's next for Penn and St. Pierre
Outside of the controversy surrounding the main event, UFC 94 was a solid card. Really, with a main event like that (on paper), it’s hard to find fault with the rest of the card. I expected more out of Nate Diaz and was very impressed with Lyoto Machida. He has to be the next in line for a title shot at light heavyweight (after Rampage, apparently), and while he’s not as terrifying as Georges St. Pierre, Anderson Silva or B.J. Penn, I think Machida could put together a decent run as champion. I like his chances better than the rest of the light heavyweight crop, at least. If he gets by Quinton "Rampage" Jackson (who will get the first title shot after beating Keith Jardine in March), then Machida could string together a few successful title defenses.
Regardless of what happened, the main event was going to be great because it was going to tell us a lot about both fighters. We saw St. Pierre at the top of his game, proving Penn simply doesn’t belong at welterweight. Years ago, Penn could’ve been on top in both divisions but he’s at his best at lightweight and Penn will likely never get another shot at the welterweight title. Both fighters are in their prime, and fans expected a fight similar to their first match -- a very close and entertaining bout. Instead, what we got was an absolute rout.
St. Pierre now has a stake in the claim for top pound-for-pound fighter. It was Anderson Silva’s title for the past year, and some would argue he's still at the top. Fedor Emelianenko has made his claim with brutal wins over Tim Sylvia and Andrei Arlovski, and now St. Pierre has made his case with a dominating win over Penn. It’s hard to ignore St. Pierre’s stake because of the way he dominated Penn, who was also considered a top 5 pound-for-pound fighter. In the biggest fight of his career, St. Pierre delivered. In the biggest fight of his career, Penn disappointed.
What’s most interesting to me is what’s next for both fighters. SI.com is reporting that Penn may be considering retirement. That type of talk isn’t uncommon after a loss, so I think it’s likely we’ll see Penn fight again. Still, it’s not like there’s a plethora of challenges for Penn at lightweight. Unless the UFC can sign more of the top lightweights in the world, I wouldn’t rule out retirement for Penn in the next few years. Penn is still a great fighter and the best lightweight in the world though, and as the sport continues to grow over the next few years, he would be foolish to retire at this point.
If he does, how will it affect Penn's legacy? He was poised to become one of the all-time greats in the sport if he had defeated St. Pierre and held both titles at the same time. Now, after the brutal loss, Penn is still one of the greatest lightweight fighters of all-time. His legacy definitely takes a hit though, but probably takes a much bigger hit if he doesn’t fight again. It wouldn't be good for new fans of the sport to remember Penn just from what they saw on the UFC Primetime shows and from this fight.
St. Pierre’s next title defense will be against Thiago Alves. I’m excited for this fight as I think Alves is the best challenge for St. Pierre right now. Alves is a huge welterweight and can match St. Pierre’s athleticism. Obviously, St. Pierre will be a huge favorite, but this could be a very entertaining fight. After Alves, it’s rumored St. Pierre could move up to middleweight. The logical move would be to put together a St. Pierre vs. Anderson Silva superfight, as that would be one of the biggest fights in the sport’s history. Both St. Pierre and Silva have a title defense to get through first, but when this fight is put together (late this year or early next would be my guess), it will be incredible.
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Comments
I don't think GSP should fight Silva. The difference in weight would be worse than it was with Penn. Silva is a much more dangerous opponent than Penn and this could really mess up GSP's career in the long run, if he were to get caught by Silva.
I think the best thing would be for the UFC to get a little more serious about recruiting the best talent in the world and find some competition for both fighters. There are several challenges for Penn in Japan. I don't think there are a huge number for Silva but Mousasi is one I would like to see him fight. I also think it is much more realistic for Silva to go up to LHW than it for GSP to go MW. I'm not sure what challenges there are for GSP. After he disposes of the the roid freak Alves, I don't know of too many fighters left to challenge him.
NOTE: Getting muscular by using steroids doesn't qualify as being athletic.
Posted by: Joshua F | February 4, 2009 7:00 PM
I have to disagree-I was really disappointed with this PPV. I thought the competitive fights were boring and the one sided fights were too one sided (but it was fun seeing Machida, who I hadn't seen much of). I hated the Diaz decision as I thought he won the stand-up game and didn't really lose the ground game, he just couldn't get Guida off of him. I was disappointed to not be able to see Fitch's fight. I thought this was one of the worst PPV's I'd seen in a long time, although maybe it was skewed by how good the Forrest/Evans PPV was (I skipped the Henderson/Franklin one-I couldn't muster up enough interest in that card to warrant $45). Nate Diaz remains my favorite fighter though...LONG LIVE NATE!!!
Posted by: Nick Sadaka | February 5, 2009 12:55 PM
Calling this the biggest fight of Penn's career is a ludicrous statement. When he first defeated Matt Hughes, when Hughes was arguably in his prime would undoubtedly be the biggest fight of his career. Penn should still be considered in the running for pound for pound greatest fighter. Penn gave up over 20lbs to GSP on fight night. The Canadian is no more of a terror in his own weight class than Penn is in his. Obvously, Penn belongs at lightweight. This fight proved nothing more than that. It didn't show any weakness in his technique or ability. It merely confirmed that when two equally talented fighters go toe to toe, size does matter.
Posted by: Chris | February 5, 2009 1:08 PM
I also agree,GSP should stay in his weight class.The last apponant he should face is Anderson Silva who is comfortable at 205.It would be nice if the U.F.C could recruit some of the amaising talent from some of the other organizations, w.e.c etc.Or have cards matching the best fighters from different organizations against each other in a "world super card event".Talk about getting fight fans excited or what.Of coarse,we know how hard it would be to find common ground among the organizations with reguards to pay per view,advertising,costs and profits etc.One could only hope.
Posted by: Joe wright | February 5, 2009 5:50 PM
Gsp is an animal and great fighter, but to fight Anderson silva might not be a great move for his career. Silvas stand up has to be the best in mma today.. I dont think gsp could deal with the reach or power, but if he manages to get him to the ground and inflict damage like he did to penn he might be in for a chance. Either way it would be an awesome fight!! Penn is still my fav fighter, but the way he ran his mouth before the ass whipping he received made me think ''Good Job bj'' saying how he was gonna keep coming at gsp like he was ''GOD'' and that gsp is a quiter and he was gonna kill him.. Bro you got fuc#&d up. And maybe karma bit you on the ass HARD!
Posted by: joel | February 6, 2009 3:40 AM
Nick,
I have to disagree with you completely. this was a fantastic PPV I've seen in some time. Just the hype around it and the outcome of the main event was more than enough for me. GSP absolutely dominated one of the best fighters in the world. It was absolutely amazing to watch. As for the Diaz/Guida fight. I think you are letting your emotions get the better of you because you are a Diaz fan. Watch the fight again and keep score. Also pay attention to the control of guida and his aggression.
In closing I would like to add that I am like everyone else. I want to see the silva GSP fight. Everyone does even if they say they don't. They are just worried about their favorite fighter getting beat. The are the two best fighters and it is only logical that they sould meet in the cage.
Posted by: Tony | February 7, 2009 1:59 PM
Well, I guess it depends what you are into as a fight fan. For me personally, the best fights are the ones that go back and forth and have amazing comebacks-Forrest/Rua, Forrest/Rampage, and of course Forrest/American Psycho. In boxing, I was always amazed by the Ward/Gatti fights (except the last one). I know some people love the domination and the great knockouts, so I guess it's just one of those things that are matter-of-opinions. I think even the smaller ones with no-name guys and zero hype can be great. The one with the two guys from the Ultimate Fighter show-Jared Rollins and Jon Koppenhaver to me was one of the most memorable fights of all time for me personally with no hype at all and definitely no names. As far as the Diaz decision, I'd love to hear what other people though, including you, Mark.
Posted by: Nick Sadaka | February 11, 2009 11:47 AM