Stepping up the Scales

Penn returns to Welterweight with 21 second KO over Hughes


B.J. Penn, former UFC Lightweight and welterweight champion, made a triumphant return to welterweight this last Saturday at UFC 123, scoring a knock out victory against former two-time champion Matt Hughes in just 21 seconds. 

After the fight, he began heading back to the locker room, but quickly came back to the octagon out of respect for his opponent, according to the post-fight press conference.

“I was trying to recreate the Caol Uno fight,” Penn said.  “But I can not be disrespectful of Matt. I gotta go back in there and give Matt the honors.”

Road back to welterweight

Penn (16-7-1) had been coming into his fight with two straight losses from UFC Lightweight champion Frankie Edgar.  According to the post-fight press conference, Penn was fired up as soon as he got the call that he would face Hughes.

“Me and Matt put on great fights and I am just happy it went that way,” Penn said.  “Matt Hughes is my idol and will always be my idol.”

Penn’s KO not only gave him his first victory in the welterweight division in the last four years, it also gave him the overall victory in his trilogy against Hughes.  He had won their first fight back in 2004, in which he was crowned the fourth UFC welterweight champ.  Hughes won their rematch back in 2006.


Former fighters who have had success gaining (or cutting) weight

Penn, is not the only MMA fighter to have success in two different weight classes. 

UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture was the first fighter to win titles in two divisions, earning titles as a heavyweight and a light heavyweight.

Another UFC fighter who has gained success in changing weight divisions is Jake Shields.  Shields is a former Elite XC Welterweight champion, and a former Strikeforce Middleweight champion.

Strikeforce fighter Dan Henderson earned titles in Pride Fighting Championship’s welterweight and middleweight division.  Current Strikeforce heavyweight champ Alistair Overeem competed in Pride’s middleweight Grand Prix tournament, earning victories over Vitor Belfort and Igor Vochancyn.

Most recently Urijah Faber, a former WEC featherweight champion, has moved back down to bantamweight.  In his first fight back to bantamweight, he defeated Takeya Mizugaki by submission in the first round.

Future Matches for Penn in the welterweight division. 
Although it seems like Penn has been given a fresh start in his return to the welterweight division, he still has quite a ladder to climb if he wants  to regain the title. 

Possible opponents for Penn in the welterweight division include Shields, Carlos Condit a former WEC Welterweight champion, and Josh Koscheck, the current number one contender for the UFC welterweight title.

Another possible bout for Penn would be a rematch against former champion Matt Serra.  Penn previously defeated Serra in a lightweight bout back in 2002.

Perhaps the one match up Penn will be anticipating for is a rematch with current champion Georges St. Pierre. 

According to MMAweekly, Penn’s next opponent may be Jon Fitch at UFC 127.

UFC 118 predictions

 Lightweight Championship bout: Frankie Edgar (c) vs.  B.J. Penn

Winner: B.J. Penn by decision

The only thing harder than winning a championship is defending the championship and I am going with B.J. getting his belt back.  I also think this fight will go the distance and last all five rounds.

Heavyweight bout:  Randy Couture vs.  James Toney

Winner:  Randy Couture by decision

How well can a boxer do in MMA?  For the last few years, there have been pro wrestlers have ventured into mixed martial arts and they have seemed to adapt well, due to the similarities between the two. 

However, I am taking Couture’s experience over Toney’s power.  It does not mean Toney can’t win.  If he can get the knock out, the fight will be his.  However, I expect this one will go the distance.

Middleweight bout: Demian Maia vs.  Mario Miranda

Winner: Demian Maia by submission

Coming off of a loss against Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva back in April, Maia is looking for not only redeem himself, but also get back into the middleweight title picture. 

He also has an extensive background in grappling, which will give him the advantage if he can get Miranda on his back.  This fight will end early by submission.

Lightweight bout: Kenny Florian vs.  Gray Maynard

Winner: Gray Maynard by knock out

In a bout to determine the number one contender for the UFC Lightweight championship, one of the UFC’s best submission fighters will face an up and comer who is undefeated. 

Although Maynard has won the majority of his fights by decision, this will be his first win by knock out.  Maynard also has a win over current champ Frankie Edgar, which may give him an edge in their up and coming bout.

Welterweight bout:  Nate Diaz vs. Marcus Davis

Winner: Nate Diaz by decision

Both Diaz and Davis have backgrounds in Jiu-Jitsu, Diaz being apart of the famous Gracie camp while Davis is from a gym that is based out of Boston. 

Although I want to root for a fellow Irishman, I am going with Diaz on this one. 

Preliminary Bouts

Lightweight bout:  Joe Lauzon vs.  Gabe Ruediger

Winner: Gabe Ruediger by submission

Ruediger is making his UFC debut on this card and is expected to make quite an impact.  The majority of his wins have been by submission, especially by guillotine or rear naked choke. 

Lightweight bout: Andre Winner vs.  Nik Lentz

Winner: Nik Lentz by knock out

Although Winner was a runner up on the season nine of the Ultimate Fighter, Lentz has more wins on his record and he has won eight of his last ten fights (the other two being resulting in draws). 

This may sound like a shot in the dark, but I think this bout will be finished within the first round.

Middleweight bout: Dan Miller vs. John Salter

Winner: Dan Miller by decision

This is going to be the upset of the night and I say that because Miller is already coming off of a three fight losing streak.  He also has more professional fights than Salter.

Welterweight bout:  Nick Osipczak vs.  Greg Soto

Winner: Soto by knock out

Both men have one loss and both losses were results of decision, yet Soto has doing much to prepare for this fight, including speaking with Osipczak’s past opponents and focusing on strategy.  If anything Soto will have a mental edge coming into this bout and this edge could help attain victory.

Welterweight bout:  Mike Pierce vs. Amilcar Alves

Winner: Amilcar Alves by decision

Alves is not only making his UFC debut but he is also coming into the fight with a seven fight winning streak.  He is also making his debut in the United States and this win could quickly set him on the path towards a Welterweight title shot.