In this article Sherdog.com’s Josh gross reports that Sean Sherk’s next title defense will be against for TUF coach and die-hard fan favorite BJ Penn in what would be the ultimate test for the UFC 155 lb title.
This match-up looks to be a very interesting one in the fast rising UFC Lightweight division and could be a fight of the year candidate. This fight also presents a few questions.
Will Sean Sherk be able to get Penn to the mat? BJ Penn has one of the most highly regarded takedown defenses in fighting today, and it will surely be tested vs. the best wrestler and takedown artist the UFC has in its 155lb class.
My guess is that Sherk’s power will be enough to put BJ on the mat almost at will. This brings to the next question.
What will happen once the fight gets to the mat? Sherk showed a relentless attack on the ground against a very lively and talented Hermes Franca. His unrelenting attack negated anything the BJJ blackbelt attempted to do. BJ Penn however has one of the best defenses from the guard and is non stop when looking for submissions and a way to finish the fight, but can he overcome the power and intensity that the current champ brings?
The most glaring problem could be BJ Penn’s lack of cardio, we have seen too often of late that he tends to gas out after the first or second round. In his last fight against Jens Pulver , Penn showed a much improved gas tank and kept the fight coming the whole time. Only time will tell though if this improvement is a permanent one, and it surely will be tested against the pace that “The Muscle Shark” brings.
There are only two ways I can see “The Prodigy” coming out on top in this fight.
1. If he can keep the fight standing and knock out Sherk, as he undoubtedly holds the striking advantage.
2. Secure a takedown himself and punish Sherk on the ground.
When it all comes down to it, Sherk should retain his title in another dominating performance. This fight will end in a decision after five exhausting rounds for Penn. |
