BJ Penn says judges were influenced by Edgar's celebration; apparently OK with split decision loss

by S.C. Michaelson on Aug 11, 2010 10:40 PM EDT in News

While famed shit-talkers Chael Sonnen and James Toney have been stealing the verbal spotlight, many fans wondered when BJ Penn would pop his head back up. Well worry no more. In a UFC promotional video, BJ Penn speaks out and says not only did Frankie Edgar run from him in their UFC 112 title fight, but his celebration after the fifth round influenced the judges to give it to Edgar.

"He's running around; just step up and fight. And then I see his whole team run and pick him up. All your boys put you on their shoulders and dance you around at the judges and try to steal the victory. I'm not gonna be a part of that. Whatever, man," Penn said. "That's the man you are? You're the 'Ultimate FIGHTING Champion?' Okay. I got you. It's a joke."

Ah. That's just BJ being BJ. Wait, he's not done.

(Video available when you click the link.)

"I'm not afraid to exchange with him in any way. I don't think he wants to exchange with me. He's going to be running around and he's just going to try to jazz up what he did last time. A little quicker, a little better, maybe throw in a little kick. His corner they don't have much to work with. They've just got lil' Frankie Edgar. They don't have the knockout king, the submission king. They've just got Frankie Edgar."

Frankie later on let's us know that he has "confidence". And if you judge by how many times he crams it into one sentence, he has a LOT of confidence.

"I have confidence in myself, I had confidence the first time, and now hopefully I can build on that confidence and be even more confident coming into that second fight."

My Quick Thoughts: Apparently no one told BJ the scorecards after the fight or he has no idea how the 10-point must system works. If it's the former, even if Frankie's "celebration" influenced the judges to give him Round 5, you still would've lost by a split decision (49-46, 48-47, 47-48). And if it's the latter then you might want to figure out how the 10-point must system works before your next fight.

As for Frankie, apparently he has a lot of confidence.

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Comments

I like Penn but he needs to stop bitching. You loss, you loss. It wasn’t a horrible loss, you didin’t get your a** beat but it is still an L.

Hopefully he won’t have a bad day and do what he’s supposed to do, whatever that is BUT I am sure that Edgar will come to this fight with a few surprises and better than ever.

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VEe is ANIMated!

by VeeisAnimated on Aug 12, 2010 10:18 AM EDT reply actions

I think Penn might just be playing up his public persona

here. I do think he started out as a soft-headed, uber-talented guy who just blew past the competition on pure talent, but that’s not who he’s been for the last couple of years. He’s worked hard, and it’s shown in the cage. I’m guessing he’s just trying to build a little bit of heat for the fight, and it’s working fairly well.

I mean, what else is he supposed to say? I didn’t train very hard because I didn’t see Edgar posing much of a problem? People will forgive misguided smack talk a lot quicker than they’ll forgive someone shitting on their attentions with a lack of effort.

If I was a hungry man with a gun in my hand and some promises to keep...

by misterjonez on Aug 12, 2010 11:45 AM EDT reply actions

It’s hilarious when a fighter talks like his opponents are pussies if they don’t just stand in front of him and let him hit them. But when the situation’s reversed, well that’s a “smart game plan”, son.

by agentsmith on Aug 12, 2010 12:23 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs