BJ Penn vs. Kenny Florian UFC 101 Prediction
By testing himself, Florian means at UFC 101 in Philadelphia. So who will claim victory, the man from Hawaii (Penn) or the man from Boston (Florian)? That's what we aim to figure out for you right here.
What BJ Penn brings to the table: Penn is an amazing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu artist with ridiculous flexibility. If you find yourself underneath him on the ground, you're in deep trouble. If you find yourself on top of him on the ground, you're still in deep trouble; it's that simple. Beyond that are some strong boxing skills and some of the best takedown defense in the world today. Utilizing his amazing balance and flexibility, Penn can literally allow someone to push one of his legs above his shoulder and still keep his balance on the other foot, a feat he has demonstrated against fighters like Matt Hughes.
Penn has proven to be in much better physical condition over the course of his last four fights (three wins) than he had previously. He has been taking his cardio training much more seriously. That said, gassing has been a problem for him in the past. Further, his ability to take people down is solid, though perhaps unspectacular.
What Kenny Florian brings to the table: Since Florian lost in his bid to gain the UFC Lightweight Championship from Sean Sherk back at UFC 64, he has become a different fighter. Mainly, his attitude in training and techniques have improved to a great extent. This has allowed him to gain some strength and the ability to mix up his striking and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu more fluidly in fights.
The result has been five straight victories, with four coming by way of stoppage.
Florian is an elite level Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt with numerous tournament wins to his credit. He also possesses extremely diverse striking skills of the Muay Thai variety and is particularly known for his ability to utilize his elbows and footwork to stymie opponents.
In the past, his physical strength and takedown defense was an issue (see the Sherk fight). But he has done a lot to improve in that regard, and Florian's actual takedowns are somewhat underrated.
BJ Penn vs. Kenny Florian UFC 101 Prediction: Penn has the power to hurt just about anyone on his feet and the hands to connect. Though Florian's hands are not quite as good as his adversary's, the diversity of his striking is much better. In other words, Florian probably demonstrates better footwork, elbows, kicks, and clinch work than his opponent. That would appear to give him the overall striking advantage.
So here's the question: Can Penn get this fight to the ground consistently? Guess is, no. He's not necessarily known for his takedowns, and Florian has improved his takedown defense and physical power to the point that he will prove to be difficult to get to the canvas. Taking things a step further, though Florian is not the better ground fighter in this battle, if Penn does get him to the canvas he may have enough to survive. After all, his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu resume is somewhat underrated. Expect this fight to go somewhat like the one between Florian and Huerta. Of course, Penn absolutely, no-doubt-about-it, has enough to win. But let's call an upset in this one.
Kenny Florian wins via unanimous decision.
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