Loretta Hunt from TheFightNetwork.com is reporting that we may see a UFC lightweight title fight between BJ Penn and Joe Stevenson at UFC 79 in December.
The one-year suspension of champion Sean Sherk for alleged steroid use following his July 7 title defense to Hermes Franca at UFC 73 in Sacramento, Calif., has stalled plans to have the Minnesotan wrestler face number-one contender B.J. Penn at Nov. 17’s UFC 78 in Newark, N.J.
And while it appeared that Penn has been patiently awaiting a new opponent for Nov. in the interim, the popular Hawaiian’s camp has confirmed their leader is now preparing for a Dec. 29 match-up at UFC 79 in Las Vegas, Nev.
Sherk faces the California State Athletic Commission on Oct. 31 to appeal his case, but if he cannot shake the suspension and is stripped of his title by Zuffa LLC, Penn (11-4-1) could face UFC 74 standout Joe Stevenson (28-7).
“I was told I was definitely fighting in December or January,†said Stevenson Thursday. “I think there’s a strong possibility I’ll face B.J. Penn.â€
My guess is that Sean Sherk’s year-long suspension will be upheld by the athletic commission and he will subsequently be stripped of his title by the UFC. That being the case, a matchup between BJ Penn and Joe Stevenson for the vacant lightweight title would be exactly what the doctor ordered, in my opinion. Stevenson continues to roll through opponents in the 155 lb class and deserves the next title shot. Penn is actually less deserving of the title shot in my opinion, considering his only fight at lightweight was against Jens Pulver at the TUF 5 Season Finale. While I do agree that “The Prodigy” is at the top of the weightclass, having only one fight in the division after losing two straight fights at welterweight doesn’t seem like valid grounds for a title shot.
Either way, I’m looking forward to a Penn vs Sherk or Penn vs Stevenson matchup for the New Year’s show.
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Amber
eric
capt.ADK'er
Yael Grauer
itzFORT
Singh is King
Fizzlesticks
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Studog
I think Joe Daddy deserves a title shot also. He’s been on a roll lately and Penn would be a true test. BJ does seem to get treated well by the UFC but he is a big name and has the skill to back it up. The lightweight division is the most exciting and stacked in the UFC right now in my opinion. Should be a good fight if it happens.
the more of a recongnizable name u have more of a chance at a title shot u will have,example john fitch the man has won 7 straight in the octagon but i doubt if he gets a shot in his next fight
I agree that BJ should NOT get an immediate title shot. That is disrespectful to guys trying to put some wins together. This started at the last UFC when someone said Henderson should move down to 185lbs to fight Anderson for the belt. I still think Florian is right in there, especially after this whole Sherk shadiness. I’d like to see Huerta get some action against Lauzon or Spencer Fisher. A Florian/ Stevenson fight would be good as many other matchups. I think BJ should still have to prove himself in this division.
I been saying this since Joe Daddy won TUF, hes the future LW champ!
@Mad ya i agree the LW division is great now, but all the divisions have gotten better with the pride stars coming to UFC.
@Amir i think its time for Huerta to be tested too man.. enough of these spoon fed fights, its not like theres a shortage of talent in the division or something.. i dont think Kenny can beat Stevenson, ofcourse anythings possible, but i think BJ would be the better suited to be fighting for the title.
Kenny already had his shot, and he lost to Sherk, roids or not, they should put the 2 best fighters in contention for the title in my opinion. These automatic title shots might not be fair to everyone, but theyre the big money fights, and really, the fights we want to see. Especially considering BJs losses at WW, Joe Daddy is like a 155 version of Matt Hughes, thats the best matchup in my book guys..
The light weights are getting their respect now finally. There are a lot of good matchups that the UFC has choice of. Joe Daddy has to be one of the front runners in my opinion also. Huerta, Guida, Tyson Griffin, Florian all seem like contenders also so we’ll have to wait and see what happens.
[quote comment="9798"] Especially considering BJs losses at WW, Joe Daddy is like a 155 version of Matt Hughes, thats the best matchup in my book guys..[/quote]
@BV
Gotta agree.. Penn is the most marketable fighter for that division… Stevenson IS like a 155lb Matt Hughes only stronger pound for pound in my opinion and this is DEFINATELY the fight to see, I mean as far as tests go, who would you rather say you beat for the title, BJ FREAKING PENN or Joe Smuck Duck?
PENN/Stevenson is the best matchup in my book as well, I know that most of the guys who don’t like Penn are more angry that he will win the title, so they are crying “it’s not fair, whahhh boo hoo”.. . lol
Couture didn’t deserve Tim either, ohh thats right, HE DID I GUESS NOW THAT WE SEE HE IS ON A ROLL EHHH?
Penn will win somehow and be the dominant face of the 155, and very rich I might add as well…
I think that Tyson Griffin will be one of the top 4 in the division pretty soon as well….
POLL POSITION
Voters for this week’s Fight Network poll seem to be right on the money. The dates may have changed, but the candidate fans would most like to see face B.J. Penn next is the big “Daddy†himself.
Who Should Fight BJ Penn at Nov. 17′s UFC 78 in New Jersey?
64.5% Joe Stevenson
30.8% Winner of Ken Florian/Din Thomas*
4.7% Clay Guida
Hey guys, I am on the verge of filling up the recent posts right side of this site… anyone out there?
i would like to see Joe Stevenson vs. Tyson Griffin and Ken Florian vs. BJ Penn or any combo of those 4 fighters and the two winners can fight for the title. thoughts?
@RJ
Sounds good, but really, I am one of those pollsters who wants the big daddy and the prodigy to go at it …. lets see who is superior.. besides we need some of that “old glory” in the octagon.. chuck is all but done so it seems, Chuteboxe hasn’t been all that, Hendo lost, Randy is about the only stable thing right now, and that sounds crazy because he is only two fights in on the HW card… lol… but I think Penn topping off a major title card would be a good thing, he has the talent, and he is a former champion…