To all newer fans - This is why BJ is so respected - Page 102

Jack V. Savage · 01-05-2008, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ju-jit-su-you

I know who Penn is and has been...and I still think he's a little overrated. But if he comes in focus and trained up...he's a great fighter for sure and can beat anyone within a couple of weight classes on any given night.

I think the BJ arguments center on whether you value talent or effort. I have more personal admiration for a guy like Couture, who made himself into what he is than a prodigy like Penn, who seems to have been born a great fighter (I know that he's actually had to work hard, but you know what I mean).

njackets · 01-05-2008, 05:55 PM

When he becomes a champion and defends his belt a few times against the best compition I may change my view on BJ Penn being overrated!

**Rambamatic** · 01-05-2008, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by njackets

When he becomes a champion and defends his belt a few times against the best compition I may change my view on BJ Penn being overrated!

Even though I don't agree with you, and I think that this thread conclusively shows that, your point is well taken and very valid.

I think that he's at the point in his career now where he'll be able to do that.

Yerg99 · 01-05-2008, 06:49 PM

I respectfully disagree with the threadstarter. I still believe he is slightly overhyped. Glaring flaws like a lack of conditioning or fighting at an improper weightclass seem to be miscontrued as positive testaments to his greatness. Even though these errors have contributed to his losses. YEs he is a great fighter with some great fights and still has loads of potential. Does this contribute to having an immediate title shot at 155? i suppose. Does this make him one of the P4p greats? Get some cardio and hold onto a belt then you can talk.

Dr. Manhattan · 01-05-2008, 07:11 PM

I have read this post several times as every time someone says anything negative about BJ this gets thrown out. Basically you are hanging your hat on 7 wins that happened 3-5 years ago that include Uno, Serra, Ludwig, Gomi, Gracie and Hughes. All those wins are prefaced with "At that time" when referencing the quality of these opponents. Shouldn’t what he has done lately be more relevant which includes a 1-2 record (the one win against a 145 Jens)?

Don’t we have better perspective on how quality those opponents are looking back now? Aside from Hughes and Gomi would any of you be blown away by someone who beat any of the other guys? Is Uno currently top 10? Din wasn’t able to win the TUF comeback show. Serra was able to beat GSP but who really doesn’t believe that he is going to get murdered in the rematch? Renzo is a 185er but when was the last time he was on anyone’s top 10?

MMA has changed big time since then. Look at what else was going on in that time. Vitor was still a contender. Ricco was still a top dog. Herring was still a top fighter. Tito was still on top of the heap. Things have changed.

The reality is that there is 2 top 10 wins in there and that is it and one of those was avenged. BJ has had at least 4 shots at a belt and was only successful at one of those and never defended the belt. He has looked good in losses to tough opponents but they are still losses. Until BJ wins a belt and defends it successfully several times against real opponents and demonstrates some consistency he is overrated in my book.