Sanchez V BJ Penn WAR!!

[how5er]

What a fight this is gonna be, I think Penn may not be able to keep up with the intensity and conditioning of Diego. So then i think Penns gameplan is end it early on!

[ufoalf]

That's a good fight. Diego is definitely power at 155, who would've thought he used to be fat 185.
I'd like to see Diego have a good showing, he always brings great fights(except Koschek one). Don't care who wins though.

I gota say though, Penn looks untouchable at 155 right now.

[achillesthegreat]

Florian was a serious contender but Penn was Penn.

Sanchez is a good fighter but I think we all fear that Penn will be Penn.

I'm intrigued to see the intensity Sanchez brings and how Penn will deal with that.

[Popkins]

Diego is an excellent fighter, but so was/is Florian. Now that Penn has improved his cardio, he is practically unbeatable at light. He just has everything. No way is Diego winning this fight. He will give it everything and make it interesting, but Penn will win by submission or late stoppage. And after that, I expect Penn to have another crack at GSP. There just won't be anyone serious left for him at lw.

[Vitor Belfort]

It's interesting just cuz sanchez has look good in his past couple of fights but so did florian. I think diego will be more of a threat standing cuz he has better striking than florian but i believe bj will get this fight to the ground where he can basically win by anything he wants. Rear naked choke or armbar but as we saw in his last couple of fights. He loves to choke out his opponent:lol:

[Dynamite Kid]

What a fight this is gonna be, I think Penn may not be able to keep up with the intensity and conditioning of Diego. So then i think Penns gameplan is end it early on!

We're gonna see Diego test BJ'S cardio. I'm not sold BJ has settled his cardio issues yet. He dominated Florian easily. That's not enough proof that BJ has fixed this question mark of his game. If BJ isn't ready to go 5 hard rounds, Diego is gonna finish in round 3 or 4. Diego is no joke. This will be a fight.

[Grievesy]

BJ by whatever he wants. Most likely outcome though is that he takes Sanchez down and chokes him out. I can't see Snachez having anything to trouble BJ despite the fact that the tempo may be quite high.

[Dynamite Kid]

BJ by whatever he wants. Most likely outcome though is that he takes Sanchez down and chokes him out. I can't see Snachez having anything to trouble BJ despite the fact that the tempo may be quite high.

Well I'm not gonna dabate that BJ has a better ground game. However it's not like Diego hasn't seen world class Jiu Jitsu. He's locked up with Marcello Garcia(he's better than BJ) in a grappling match and while Marcello won, he didn't tap Diego. Jake Shields also competed against Diego in a grappling match but couldn't sub him either. He was just to big. In MMA, Diego has NEVER even come close to being subbed. Yes BJ can sub him, but I doubt that will be easy either. Diego has seen some of the best Jiu Jitsu in the world and trains with Saulo. Diego knows what he's getting himself into, unlike that mental midget Florian.

[BewareofDawg]

Diego will try and outbox Penn....which he can't, and he will also try and wear him out against the fence, which he won't. BJ is too relaxed, and Diego isn't as strong, athletic, big or skilled as GSP. Diego is more aggressive then Florian so I don't expect this one to last as long. I'm predicting Diego gets buzzed by a Penn combination and then taken down to the mat and pounded on and eventually submitted by Penn.

[Dynamite Kid]

Diego will try and outbox Penn....which he can't, and he will also try and wear him out against the fence, which he won't. BJ is too relaxed, and Diego isn't as strong, athletic, big or skilled as GSP. Diego is more aggressive then Florian so I don't expect this one to last as long. I'm predicting Diego gets buzzed by a Penn combination and then taken down to the mat and pounded on and eventually submitted by Penn.

Dude you have to take into consideration Diego's chin. BJ isn't just gonna "buzz" Diego with a combination. Josh Koscheck(hits harder than Penn) landed bombs on Diego's face and never even wobbled him. Didn't stun him, nothing. Sanchez has never been hurt in a fight. Does BJ have the potential to hurt him? Yes, but would I bank on that? It's hard to say. Nightmare has a chin like a brick wall.

You say: "Diego is more aggressive than Florian so I don't expect this one to last as long" I disagree. Florian got scared and let BJ dictate, Diego is exactly the fighter I want going right at BJ and is NOT gonna get discouraged like Florian did. He has to break BJ. NOT LET HIM DICTATE.

As far as Diego not being as strong, athletic, big, or skilled as GSP, maybe that's true. But guess what, Diego pushes that SERIOUS pace I just spoke a bit about. And BJ has been broken TWICE by guys that fight that way. Matt Hughes isn't as skilled as Diego and he smashed BJ'S face right into the floor. Diego has improved standup and as of late has been pretty explosive hurting people with strikes. Fiorivanti(has a good chin) got KO'D by Nightmare, and Guida(also a good chin) almost KO'D twice in the 1st round with Nightmare. Nightmare's punches & kicks may not be world class type but if he lands, he can hurt you and possibly knock you out. Penn isn't just gonna walk through Nightmare, you're mistaken.

[Grievesy]

Well I'm not gonna dabate that BJ has a better ground game. However it's not like Diego hasn't seen world class Jiu Jitsu. He's locked up with Marcello Garcia(he's better than BJ) in a grappling match and while Marcello won, he didn't tap Diego. Jake Shields also competed against Diego in a grappling match but couldn't sub him either. He was just to big. In MMA, Diego has NEVER even come close to being subbed. Yes BJ can sub him, but I doubt that will be easy either. Diego has seen some of the best Jiu Jitsu in the world and trains with Saulo. Diego knows what he's getting himself into, unlike that mental midget Florian.

Ok so he hasn't been subbed in a grappling match but this isn't a grappling match, this is MMA. No one Sanchez has fought in MMA has been on BJ's level, in BJJ or otherwise. I stand by my original statement. BJ can win this any way he see's fit. That being said, snachez is a tough bloke so he will stick around for a few rounds. I just don't see what Sanchez has to beat Penn apart from the fact he fights like a fucking maniac. And Penn's stamina hasn't been an issue at 155 and I don't think it will be here.

[Dynamite Kid]

Ok so he hasn't been subbed in a grappling match but this isn't a grappling match, this is MMA. No one Sanchez has fought in MMA has been on BJ's level, in BJJ or otherwise. I stand by my original statement. BJ can win this any way he see's fit. That being said, snachez is a tough bloke so he will stick around for a few rounds. I just don't see what Sanchez has to beat Penn apart from the fact he fights like a fucking maniac. And Penn's stamina hasn't been an issue at 155 and I don't think it will be here.

#1- You're right. This is MMA, NOT a grappling match. Diego is allowed to punch people in the face to keep from being subbed. Which he does extremely well. It's easier for him.

#2- You say "No one Sanchez has fought in MMA has been in BJ's level, in BJJ or OTHERWISE. I think you're forgetting a celebarated Judo fighter named Karo Parisyan. Karo Parisyan IMO is just as skilled in Judo as BJ is in Jiu Jitsu. Karo is considered one of the very best in the country in Judo as BJ is in Jiu Jitsu, and look what happened to him. He looked like he needed an oxygen mask like Koscheck put on his face right after his first fight with Nightmare on TUF. Joe Riggs(another Nightmare victim) is also a better Boxer than BJ Penn. Technically speaking of course.

#3- You're right again. Penn's stamina hasn't been an issue at 155. Simply because he hasn't fought anyone there that can push the pace on him and really threaten him like that. Sure previous opponents at LW like Pulver, Stevenson, Sherk, & Florian are all good names. But none of them possess the same type of matchup Nightmare brings. None of them are cardio freaks that can go like Nightmare can. And you're also forgetting Nightmare isn't really a 55er. He's really a WW making 55. Nightmare is bigger and stronger than any opponent Penn has faced at 55. AND WITH PROVEN CARDIO.

[jimmie]

This will be a fun fight but im postive BJ picks him apart standing. BJs boxing skills are much more refined and Sanchez leans his head way over his lead foot to much and I think its going to be asking for brutal uppercuts.

[BewareofDawg]

Dude you have to take into consideration Diego's chin. BJ isn't just gonna "buzz" Diego with a combination. Josh Koscheck(hits harder than Penn) landed bombs on Diego's face and never even wobbled him. Didn't stun him, nothing. Sanchez has never been hurt in a fight. Does BJ have the potential to hurt him? Yes, but would I bank on that? It's hard to say. Nightmare has a chin like a brick wall.

You say: "Diego is more aggressive than Florian so I don't expect this one to last as long" I disagree. Florian got scared and let BJ dictate, Diego is exactly the fighter I want going right at BJ and is NOT gonna get discouraged like Florian did. He has to break BJ. NOT LET HIM DICTATE.

As far as Diego not being as strong, athletic, big, or skilled as GSP, maybe that's true. But guess what, Diego pushes that SERIOUS pace I just spoke a bit about. And BJ has been broken TWICE by guys that fight that way. Matt Hughes isn't as skilled as Diego and he smashed BJ'S face right into the floor. Diego has improved standup and as of late has been pretty explosive hurting people with strikes. Fiorivanti(has a good chin) got KO'D by Nightmare, and Guida(also a good chin) almost KO'D twice in the 1st round with Nightmare. Nightmare's punches & kicks may not be world class type but if he lands, he can hurt you and possibly knock you out. Penn isn't just gonna walk through Nightmare, you're mistaken.
Dude you have to take into consideration Diego's chin. BJ isn't just gonna "buzz" Diego with a combination. Josh Koscheck(hits harder than Penn) landed bombs on Diego's face and never even wobbled him. Didn't stun him, nothing. Sanchez has never been hurt in a fight. Does BJ have the potential to hurt him? Yes, but would I bank on that? It's hard to say. Nightmare has a chin like a brick wall.

Yes but BJ is faster and a better boxer then he has faced. He will get hit with shots, counter shots, that he doesn't see coming. Even the best chins can be cracked by speed, accuracy and timing (see Margo vs Cotto.....then Margo vs Shane). Diego is over confident in his boxing, it's why he lost against Koscheck. And his aggressiveness will do him in, it will bring him right into BJ's counters.

You say: "Diego is more aggressive than Florian so I don't expect this one to last as long" I disagree. Florian got scared and let BJ dictate, Diego is exactly the fighter I want going right at BJ and is NOT gonna get discouraged like Florian did. He has to break BJ. NOT LET HIM DICTATE.

Florian didn't "let" BJ dictate the pace, BJ just did. He was outboxing Florian and stuffing his takedowns and neutralized Florians kicks. Look what happened to Diego when he fought Kos, he made no adjustments. Just like sherk didn't against BJ. He was losing the fight on his feet and for one reason or another didn't make the adjustment to try and dirty box, take him down or play the clinch game. Didn't do any of it. Kos is bigger, but not harder to take down then BJ. GSP got Kos down on his first attempt. It took him over a round of wearing BJ down and out striking him to get him to the ground. If Diego finds himself getting outboxed by BJ, like he was against Kos then what is he going to do?

As far as Diego not being as strong, athletic, big, or skilled as GSP, maybe that's true. But guess what, Diego pushes that SERIOUS pace I just spoke a bit about. And BJ has been broken TWICE by guys that fight that way. Matt Hughes isn't as skilled as Diego and he smashed BJ'S face right into the floor. Diego has improved standup and as of late has been pretty explosive hurting people with strikes. Fiorivanti(has a good chin) got KO'D by Nightmare, and Guida(also a good chin) almost KO'D twice in the 1st round with Nightmare. Nightmare's punches & kicks may not be world class type but if he lands, he can hurt you and possibly knock you out. Penn isn't just gonna walk through Nightmare, you're mistaken

Sherk was supposed to push a serious pace too, but didn't because he wasn't able to take BJ down or outstrike BJ enough to put himself in a position to get a good takedown attempt. GSP was able to push the pace on BJ because he was strong enough to overpower him and gain complete control of the fight where as BJ had to react off of him. That is the key. Diego will not be able to dictate because he isn't good or strong enough to control what BJ does in there.

[wentz]

Completely meaningless fight.

Zuffa zombies, zuffa zombies, neon bible, neon bible.

[Dynamite Kid]

Dude you have to take into consideration Diego's chin. BJ isn't just gonna "buzz" Diego with a combination. Josh Koscheck(hits harder than Penn) landed bombs on Diego's face and never even wobbled him. Didn't stun him, nothing. Sanchez has never been hurt in a fight. Does BJ have the potential to hurt him? Yes, but would I bank on that? It's hard to say. Nightmare has a chin like a brick wall.

Yes but BJ is faster and a better boxer then he has faced. He will get hit with shots, counter shots, that he doesn't see coming. Even the best chins can be cracked by speed, accuracy and timing (see Margo vs Cotto.....then Margo vs Shane). Diego is over confident in his boxing, it's why he lost against Koscheck. And his aggressiveness will do him in, it will bring him right into BJ's counters.

You say: "Diego is more aggressive than Florian so I don't expect this one to last as long" I disagree. Florian got scared and let BJ dictate, Diego is exactly the fighter I want going right at BJ and is NOT gonna get discouraged like Florian did. He has to break BJ. NOT LET HIM DICTATE.

Florian didn't "let" BJ dictate the pace, BJ just did. He was outboxing Florian and stuffing his takedowns and neutralized Florians kicks. Look what happened to Diego when he fought Kos, he made no adjustments. Just like sherk didn't against BJ. He was losing the fight on his feet and for one reason or another didn't make the adjustment to try and dirty box, take him down or play the clinch game. Didn't do any of it. Kos is bigger, but not harder to take down then BJ. GSP got Kos down on his first attempt. It took him over a round of wearing BJ down and out striking him to get him to the ground. If Diego finds himself getting outboxed by BJ, like he was against Kos then what is he going to do?

As far as Diego not being as strong, athletic, big, or skilled as GSP, maybe that's true. But guess what, Diego pushes that SERIOUS pace I just spoke a bit about. And BJ has been broken TWICE by guys that fight that way. Matt Hughes isn't as skilled as Diego and he smashed BJ'S face right into the floor. Diego has improved standup and as of late has been pretty explosive hurting people with strikes. Fiorivanti(has a good chin) got KO'D by Nightmare, and Guida(also a good chin) almost KO'D twice in the 1st round with Nightmare. Nightmare's punches & kicks may not be world class type but if he lands, he can hurt you and possibly knock you out. Penn isn't just gonna walk through Nightmare, you're mistaken

Sherk was supposed to push a serious pace too, but didn't because he wasn't able to take BJ down or outstrike BJ enough to put himself in a position to get a good takedown attempt. GSP was able to push the pace on BJ because he was strong enough to overpower him and gain complete control of the fight where as BJ had to react off of him. That is the key. Diego will not be able to dictate because he isn't good or strong enough to control what BJ does in there.

#1- If you really followed what happened in that Koscheck situation, the only reason Diego fought like that was because he had a bad staph infection. The next morning after the fight he woke up with a hole in his thigh almost down to his knee. So don't act like Koscheck beat Nightmare because he was better and Diego couldn't or didn't show any smarts to make any adjustments. You watch that one fight compared to all his other fights before or after, and you'll see something was wrong with him that night.

#2- Sherk matchup wise was to small for Penn. Anyone who knows MMA knows Sherk was gonna get his ass kicked. He was to short, not enough arm reach on his punches, and had to utilize his Boxing to get inside and try and take him down. He couldn't and got picked apart like I and many others knew he would. Matt Hughes had a hard time taking BJ down, what in the world would make you think Sherk's "pace" was gonna be a problem for him?

#3- Florian GOT discouraged. You can see the look on his face when he went back to his corner. He didn't want it anymore and I'm pretty sure he was happy that fight ended when it did. Penn controlled everything he wanted to do and it was his fight. You just proved my point. He neutralized Florian and dictated. Nightmare is bigger than Florian & Sherk and is a better fighter than both of them. Nightmare would break Florian & Sherk just like Penn did and maybe in more devastating fashion.

#4- You're right, even the best chins can be cracked. However against Nightmare, I doubt we'll see BJ standing to often. He wanted Pulver on the ground when they last fought. I don't think he wants to gamble to much with Diego who's uppercut knocked out Karo Parisyan's tooth and now has a developing headkick which he scored a knockout with and almost put Guida out the same way. You tell me what Penn is gonna do if he can't keep Nightmare off him and making BJ fight his fight, like GSP did?

[Dynamite Kid]

Completely meaningless fight.

Zuffa zombies, zuffa zombies, neon bible, neon bible.

Then don't watch.

[BewareofDawg]

#1- If you really followed what happened in that Koscheck situation, the only reason Diego fought like that was because he had a bad staph infection. The next morning after the fight he woke up with a hole in his thigh almost down to his knee. So don't act like Koscheck beat Nightmare because he was better and Diego couldn't or didn't show any smarts to make any adjustments. You watch that one fight compared to all his other fights before or after, and you'll see something was wrong with him that night.

#2- Sherk matchup wise was to small for Penn. Anyone who knows MMA knows Sherk was gonna get his ass kicked. He was to short, not enough arm reach on his punches, and had to utilize his Boxing to get inside and try and take him down. He couldn't and got picked apart like I and many others knew he would. Matt Hughes had a hard time taking BJ down, what in the world would make you think Sherk's "pace" was gonna be a problem for him?

#3- Florian GOT discouraged. You can see the look on his face when he went back to his corner. He didn't want it anymore and I'm pretty sure he was happy that fight ended when it did. Penn controlled everything he wanted to do and it was his fight. You just proved my point. He neutralized Florian and dictated. Nightmare is bigger than Florian & Sherk and is a better fighter than both of them. Nightmare would break Florian & Sherk just like Penn did and maybe in more devastating fashion.

#4- You're right, even the best chins can be cracked. However against Nightmare, I doubt we'll see BJ standing to often. He wanted Pulver on the ground when they last fought. I don't think he wants to gamble to much with Diego who's uppercut knocked out Karo Parisyan's tooth and now has a developing headkick which he scored a knockout with and almost put Guida out the same way. You tell me what Penn is gonna do if he can't keep Nightmare off him and making BJ fight his fight, like GSP did?
It was a knee that knocked Karo's tooth out, not an uppercut. And Florian is a better striker then Diego. Fair enough about the Koscheck fight, I did feel that Diego just wasn't himself in that fight and I also feel that he could've out worked Kos on the ground also. But I was wrong to use taht fight as an example if he really did have staph :good But that was also after Diego KO'd Riggs and trained with Oscar and you could see his attitude changed, he thought he was this devastating striker, and he's not. He's gonna get technically beat by BJ. He's too sloppy, not fluid enough or seasoned as a striker to beat BJ on the feet. BJ fought friggin Machida to a close decision, now your telling me that Diego will be too much for him on his feet :lol:

[jimmie]

Diego Sanchez striking has improved alot from the Josh Koscheck fight but it still isnt a level or more behind BJs. What can Diego do that noboddy else could do ? BJ has good legkick defense,much superior boxing skills then just about anyone and the agressive style of Sanchez's striking is probablly what BJ would want IMO he will pick him apart with jabs and setup uppercuts and maybe even knees. Diego has a great chin but taking combos from BJ Penn is different then taking occassional overhand rights from Koscheck. You get hit enough you will go down we have seen that many times over the years.

Dynamite Kid you bring up that BJ took the fight with Jens Pulver straight to the ground like he was afraid to strike. Why not take it to the ground we all knew Jens is a smaller fighter then BJ and his ground game is well behind Penn's that was obvious even in their first fight when BJ could score takedowns. No reason to risk any famous Pulver left hands when you can submitt him on the ground. Thats the only recent fight I have seen BJ wanna be on the ground so often.

[Dynamite Kid]

It was a knee that knocked Karo's tooth out, not an uppercut. And Florian is a better striker then Diego. Fair enough about the Koscheck fight, I did feel that Diego just wasn't himself in that fight and I also feel that he could've out worked Kos on the ground also. But I was wrong to use taht fight as an example if he really did have staph :good But that was also after Diego KO'd Riggs and trained with Oscar and you could see his attitude changed, he thought he was this devastating striker, and he's not. He's gonna get technically beat by BJ. He's too sloppy, not fluid enough or seasoned as a striker to beat BJ on the feet. BJ fought friggin Machida to a close decision, now your telling me that Diego will be too much for him on his feet :lol:

Yes you're right, it was a knee. You are correct. I saw that fight like 20 times and actually forgot it was a knee. I confused that with the uppercut he landed when the fight started that hurt Karo early. My mistake:D

And I didn't say Nightmare would be to much on the feet. I'm saying BJ may not wanna be there for to long being as how Nightmare has shown to really be hurting guys on the feet these days. That's what I meant. I can't pick a winner and can't guarantee anything. I think both guys can come out and potentially control the fight depending on who's night it is. All I'm saying is, Nightmare is gonna give a fight and BJ is gonna have to reach into his bag of tricks to beat this fighter. Diego is obsessed with BJ right now. He said in a blog on Myspace he even spies on BJ on his website:lol:

[BewareofDawg]

Yes you're right, it was a knee. You are correct. I saw that fight like 20 times and actually forgot it was a knee. I confused that with the uppercut he landed when the fight started that hurt Karo early. My mistake:D

And I didn't say Nightmare would be to much on the feet. I'm saying BJ may not wanna be there for to long being as how Nightmare has shown to really be hurting guys on the feet these days. That's what I meant. I can't pick a winner and can't guarantee anything. I think both guys can come out and potentially control the fight depending on who's night it is. All I'm saying is, Nightmare is gonna give a fight and BJ is gonna have to reach into his bag of tricks to beat this fighter. Diego is obsessed with BJ right now. He said in a blog on Myspace he even spies on BJ on his website:lol:
:lol: Diego seems like a complete nutjob, he's one of my favorite fighters though. Love watching the guy fight. BJ is my favorite though, so that's why I'm kinda posting in favor of BJ and also just because i really believe BJ is too much for him.

[Dynamite Kid]

:lol: Diego seems like a complete nutjob, he's one of my favorite fighters though. Love watching the guy fight. BJ is my favorite though, so that's why I'm kinda posting in favor of BJ and also just because i really believe BJ is too much for him.

Respectable:good BJ has a cult like following.

[PUMPERG]

good fight but bj all day in this fight! Unstoppable at 155 lbs!!

[how5er]

BJ is one of my fav fighters, But I think BJ has got to finish Diego early or Diego is going to grind him down, BJ never looks like he has that much energy where Diego has too much. He is gonna fight at superspeed which i think may be too fast for BJ. As much as i hate to bet againt BJ my money is on Diego this time

[AJAX]

Completely meaningless fight.

Zuffa zombies, zuffa zombies, neon bible, neon bible.


[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[AJAX]

Completely meaningless fight.

Zuffa zombies, zuffa zombies, neon bible, neon bible.

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[Beebs]

Did somebody actually compare Diego Sanchez's striking with Jens fucking Pulvers? Jens has displayed some of the best striking in LW and FW MMA over the course of a long career, has boxed at a respectable level succesfully, and had success in kickboxing and Shootboxing; to imply that Diego has anything approaching that, and that since BJ wanted to keep Jens off his feet he will feel the same need with Diego is laughable. BJ realized that Jens is better standing than on the ground; taking him down took Jens out of the best part of his game, taking Diego down is not.

Diego is looking like a monster, but really he is just not as good at any particular thing as BJ. His cardio may very well be better, but he has never gone 5 high action rounds against a top level fighter, and there is no guarentee that the fight will go that far or be that high of a pace; BJ seems to have proven his cardio is good enough to go into the championship rounds at a reasonable pace, it certainly isn't a huge flaw for him like it used to be.

[chimba]

Only GSP grinds Penn down, because GSP grinds guys like Fitch and a monster like Alves down.

BJ Penn has the best top game in MMA history.

Ask yourself this, do you see Diego ending up on top or do you see Penn on top? I must say, I see Diego on his back quite alot even against Nick Diaz. Once Penns on top of him, hed be fortunate to be on half guard.

Also, speaking of Diegos cardio, he wasnt so fresh against Alessio after 3 rounds.

Diego for me is one of these TUF fighters thats just fortunate he hasnt had that awakening moment yet like Forrest, Kenflo and Rashad, the moment that says "you just cant hang with the greats".

[rydersonthestorm]

#1- You're right. This is MMA, NOT a grappling match. Diego is allowed to punch people in the face to keep from being subbed. Which he does extremely well. It's easier for him.

#2- You say "No one Sanchez has fought in MMA has been in BJ's level, in BJJ or OTHERWISE. I think you're forgetting a celebarated Judo fighter named Karo Parisyan. Karo Parisyan IMO is just as skilled in Judo as BJ is in Jiu Jitsu. Karo is considered one of the very best in the country in Judo as BJ is in Jiu Jitsu, and look what happened to him. He looked like he needed an oxygen mask like Koscheck put on his face right after his first fight with Nightmare on TUF. Joe Riggs(another Nightmare victim) is also a better Boxer than BJ Penn. Technically speaking of course.

#3- You're right again. Penn's stamina hasn't been an issue at 155. Simply because he hasn't fought anyone there that can push the pace on him and really threaten him like that. Sure previous opponents at LW like Pulver, Stevenson, Sherk, & Florian are all good names. But none of them possess the same type of matchup Nightmare brings. None of them are cardio freaks that can go like Nightmare can. And you're also forgetting Nightmare isn't really a 55er. He's really a WW making 55. Nightmare is bigger and stronger than any opponent Penn has faced at 55. AND WITH PROVEN CARDIO.
I disagree in the extent that sherk is very strong and a cardio freak.

[barrelslice]

Really looking forward to this one sanchez is a savage guy. My heart says Bj but my head is slightly swaying with sanchez whatever happens it is not one your going to want to miss.

[Dynamite Kid]

Only GSP grinds Penn down, because GSP grinds guys like Fitch and a monster like Alves down.

BJ Penn has the best top game in MMA history.

Ask yourself this, do you see Diego ending up on top or do you see Penn on top? I must say, I see Diego on his back quite alot even against Nick Diaz. Once Penns on top of him, hed be fortunate to be on half guard.

Also, speaking of Diegos cardio, he wasnt so fresh against Alessio after 3 rounds.

Diego for me is one of these TUF fighters thats just fortunate he hasnt had that awakening moment yet like Forrest, Kenflo and Rashad, the moment that says "you just cant hang with the greats".

Absolute nonsense. Unlike Griffin & Evans(and I'm a Griffin fan saying this), Nightmare actually has real talent & skill. Florian is good, but not on the same level as Nightmare. I don't know why you think Nightmare can't hang with the greats. Just because he's the original Ultimate Fighter doesn't mean he can't fight. In reality, quite a few of the guys off TUF are contenders now and have proven that they can hang. IMO TUF produces better fighters than the Contender. And Nightmare is a stud and a future champ, and he just might walk away with Penn's title. It's very possible.

[chimba]

Absolute nonsense. Unlike Griffin & Evans(and I'm a Griffin fan saying this), Nightmare actually has real talent & skill. Florian is good, but not on the same level as Nightmare. I don't know why you think Nightmare can't hang with the greats. Just because he's the original Ultimate Fighter doesn't mean he can't fight. In reality, quite a few of the guys off TUF are contenders now and have proven that they can hang. IMO TUF produces better fighters than the Contender. And Nightmare is a stud and a future champ, and he just might walk away with Penn's title. It's very possible.

Evans has more talent in his overrated body than Diego will ever have. This guy was a bonafide top tier american wrestling who has tremendous handspeed as well. For me Florian has more skills than Diego as well. Diego has great prevent BJJ because of his tenacity and cardio. I cant envision him submitting any fighter of significance.

[PUMPERG]

Bj all day unstoppable at 155 lbs

[Dynamite Kid]

Evans has more talent in his overrated body than Diego will ever have. This guy was a bonafide top tier american wrestling who has tremendous handspeed as well. For me Florian has more skills than Diego as well. Diego has great prevent BJJ because of his tenacity and cardio. I cant envision him submitting any fighter of significance.

Just because Evans is a better WRESTLER doesn't mean he's a better FIGHTER. Evans as a fighter is nowhere near Nightmare. For you to say Evans has more talent in his overrated body than Diego will ever have" is absolutely absurd. Watch all of they're fights and compare(including the ones before they were in the UFC) Sanchez has always been a respected name and was KOTC welterweight champion, while Evans started getting his buzz when he won TUF season 2(and had one of the worst fights of all time in his first fight on the show) Unlike Evans, Nightmare knows what to do on the ground, Evans doesn't even really pass guard and creates a snooze fest while the ref stand him up again. Rashad needed work and had to progress when he won TUF while Nightmare right off the bat started kicking everyone's ass he stepped in the cage with. Evans can't say that. Evans won his fights a quite a few of them were boring. Nightmre can't say that. Nightmare can finish fights and more times than not, takes his opponents will(Koscheck 1st fight, Parisyan, Florian all got manhandled & destroyed). Evans has some impressive KO's don't get me wrong, but Evans & Sanchez aren't even camparable buddy. Evans may have a UFC title on his resume(that he won from another TUF winner) but if Nightmare beat Penn, then he surpasses him in that area also because BJ is one of the best fighters in the world.

As far as Florian, Nightmare doesn't have to sub him to beat him. Oh wait now I remember, when they fought Florian didn't wanna engage, he wanted to run and Nightmare simply mounted him up and beat the utter crap out of him. This MMA bro, just because Nightmare may not sub Florian(which he has the potential to do) doesn't Florian is a better fighter. Florian is a stud, but Nightmare would have never lost to Sherk or get discouraged(as Florian did when he fought BJ). Nightmare even schooled Nick Diaz and whipped his ass to. Evans & Florian are nowhere near Nightmare.

[jimmie]

This shouldnt even be up for debate. Diego Sanchez has proved himself time and time agian in this sport. Dynamite like you said he won the KOTC Championship before he went on TUF and KOTC is one of the bigger non UFC/Pride shows up the last several years and Diego beat a bigger Jorge Santiago to do so and Santiago is currently a top 10 ranked Middleweight. We have seen him dominate Nick Diaz in a ground fight and Karo Parysian to and of course he KTFO of Joe Riggs in what was supposed to be Riggs best area. As far as Florian didnt he mount him and pound his face in ? BOTH men have improved since then it isnt ok Florian has improved and Diego has lost a step. IMO Diego defeated Jon Fitch although its extremly close and as a Lightweight he has cleary defeated 2 top contenders Stevenson and Guida. Diego has been whopping top fighters for 5 years now get over it he is a outstanding fighter.

[codeman99998]

Just because Evans is a better WRESTLER doesn't mean he's a better FIGHTER. Evans as a fighter is nowhere near Nightmare. For you to say Evans has more talent in his overrated body than Diego will ever have" is absolutely absurd. Watch all of they're fights and compare(including the ones before they were in the UFC) Sanchez has always been a respected name and was KOTC welterweight champion, while Evans started getting his buzz when he won TUF season 2(and had one of the worst fights of all time in his first fight on the show) Unlike Evans, Nightmare knows what to do on the ground, Evans doesn't even really pass guard and creates a snooze fest while the ref stand him up again. Rashad needed work and had to progress when he won TUF while Nightmare right off the bat started kicking everyone's ass he stepped in the cage with. Evans can't say that. Evans won his fights a quite a few of them were boring. Nightmre can't say that. Nightmare can finish fights and more times than not, takes his opponents will(Koscheck 1st fight, Parisyan, Florian all got manhandled & destroyed). Evans has some impressive KO's don't get me wrong, but Evans & Sanchez aren't even camparable buddy. Evans may have a UFC title on his resume(that he won from another TUF winner) but if Nightmare beat Penn, then he surpasses him in that area also because BJ is one of the best fighters in the world.

As far as Florian, Nightmare doesn't have to sub him to beat him. Oh wait now I remember, when they fought Florian didn't wanna engage, he wanted to run and Nightmare simply mounted him up and beat the utter crap out of him. This MMA bro, just because Nightmare may not sub Florian(which he has the potential to do) doesn't Florian is a better fighter. Florian is a stud, but Nightmare would have never lost to Sherk or get discouraged(as Florian did when he fought BJ). Nightmare even schooled Nick Diaz and whipped his ass to. Evans & Florian are nowhere near Nightmare.

I wouldn't say that Diego would necessarily beat Sherk. He very well could, but that is up for debate.

[Dynamite Kid]

I wouldn't say that Diego would necessarily beat Sherk. He very well could, but that is up for debate.

We saw Frankie Edgar run a train on Shawn Sherk. He completely outclassed him. I know styles make fights, but Sherk would get handled by Nightmare. Nightmare is a WAY bigger hitter than Sherk, more arm reach, better striker, and Sherk wouldn't able to stop Nightmare from landing shots. I'm not underestimating Sherk's ability to put fighters on they're back, but what good would be putting Diego on his back if he's gonna have to most likely defend monstrous elbows from Nightmare from the bottom which will most likely cut Sherk open, and a shit load of submission attempts from the bottom as well, because Nightmare DOESN'T stop moving and he's a WAY better submission fighter & finisher than Edgar is. He fights hard from every position, including off his back. Nightmare would absolutely destroy Shawn Sherk. What's Sherk gonna do? Out strike him? Ground & pound him? Grind him out and keep Diego on his back? I don't think so. Nightmare TKO round 2 or 3.

[chimba]

Evans is more talented than Diego..cmon man.. youve been posting well lately. Diego has alot of heart and more intense, he is one tough sob but to not be able to distinguish between their talent and skill level is crazy.

Wrestling alone on a competitive basis is one of the most skillful sport there is. Rashads wrestling is World class. And laugh as you want but Rashad has good boxing much better than Diegos.

BTW Jimmie, that Diaz fight wasnt so one sided, they were rolling like monkeys for 3 rounds wioth Diego pulling it off by the mere fact of wanting it more.

[Dynamite Kid]

Evans is more talented than Diego..cmon man.. youve been posting well lately. Diego has alot of heart and more intense, he is one tough sob but to not be able to distinguish between their talent and skill level is crazy.

Wrestling alon on a competitive basis is one of the most skillful sport there is. And laugh as you want but Rashad has good boxing much better than Diego.

Dude, I'm trying extremely hard to see things from your point of view and I just can't. Their is absolute no way in the bloody hell from a talent stand point Rashad Evans is better than Diego Sanchez. It's just not happening. I already broke down all the reason's Sanchez is better. You keep mentioning Wrestling. I'm talking about Fighting. Diego is a BETTER FIGHTER than Rashad evans. He fights harder, goes harder, better finisher, better skill.

As far as Rashad Evans Boxing ability, sure it's descent. He countered Liddell's ridiculous attempts at an uppercut with an over hand and it was a beautiful shot. Evans won me money that night. However, Nightmare's Boxing is improving everytime he fights. I think you're forgetting or never saw the right hook that put Joe Riggs down. Neither guy has elite Boxing skills, but they do ok. And it was only in some of Evans recent fights where he was showing descent Boxing. During season 2 of TUF and for quite a few fights after the show, Rashad Evans did this lousy project hallway looking slap-boxing type of thing where he constantly waived his hands back & fourth & up & down:lol: If by any chance you don't know what I'm talking about, just watch some of his earlier fights. You'll see it. It's there:deal:lol:

Back to my point, Rashad Evans is in no way, shape, or form better than Diego Sanchez from a talent stand point or as a FIGHTER.:deal

[Dynamite Kid]

Evans is more talented than Diego..cmon man.. youve been posting well lately. Diego has alot of heart and more intense, he is one tough sob but to not be able to distinguish between their talent and skill level is crazy.

Wrestling alone on a competitive basis is one of the most skillful sport there is. Rashads wrestling is World class. And laugh as you want but Rashad has good boxing much better than Diegos.

BTW Jimmie, that Diaz fight wasnt so one sided, they were rolling like monkeys for 3 rounds wioth Diego pulling it off by the mere fact of wanting it more.

Take 1 look at Diaz's face after that fight and tell me Nightmare didn't whip that ass:deal

[chimba]

Im just not sold on Diego ..He can be better evaluated after the BJ fight.

[codeman99998]

We saw Frankie Edgar run a train on Shawn Sherk. He completely outclassed him. I know styles make fights, but Sherk would get handled by Nightmare. Nightmare is a WAY bigger hitter than Sherk, more arm reach, better striker, and Sherk wouldn't able to stop Nightmare from landing shots. I'm not underestimating Sherk's ability to put fighters on they're back, but what good would be putting Diego on his back if he's gonna have to most likely defend monstrous elbows from Nightmare from the bottom which will most likely cut Sherk open, and a shit load of submission attempts from the bottom as well, because Nightmare DOESN'T stop moving and he's a WAY better submission fighter & finisher than Edgar is. He fights hard from every position, including off his back. Nightmare would absolutely destroy Shawn Sherk. What's Sherk gonna do? Out strike him? Ground & pound him? Grind him out and keep Diego on his back? I don't think so. Nightmare TKO round 2 or 3.

Florian cut Sherk open real bad from the bottom and probably has better subs than Diego. Yes, I think Sherk could definitely grind him down and win a decision. Sure, Diego is a better sub fighter than Edgar but Edgar didn't beat Sherk by sub anyways so what does that prove? That's like me saying that Maia is a way better submission fighter than Anderson Silva, so he definitely should beat Marquardt.

[Dynamite Kid]

Florian cut Sherk open real bad from the bottom and probably has better subs than Diego. Yes, I think Sherk could definitely grind him down and win a decision. Sure, Diego is a better sub fighter than Edgar but Edgar didn't beat Sherk by sub anyways so what does that prove? That's like me saying that Maia is a way better submission fighter than Anderson Silva, so he definitely should beat Marquardt.

My bad, I could have swore Edgar subbed Sherk with a guillontine. I was thinking of something completely different. Ok you got me there.

Back to topic, NO Sherk doesn't grind Sanchez out dude. NO. He CAN'T keep him there. Do you understand? Diego Sanchez is NOT Kenny Florian. Sherk isn't gonna bully him like that. Nightmare is physically stronger than Florian & is a savage. The guy is gonna get off his back some kind of way and Sherk is gonna have a hard time keeping him contained. Just because you saw a very strong 170 lber Jon Fitch control Diego and keep him neutralized, DOESN'T mean Sherk can do it. That's NOT happening. This is NOT a wrestling match. Sherk would get absolutely abused by Diego Sanchez. You thinking Sherk can actually grind that maniac out and actually keep him on his back is absurd. But that is your opinion and I respect it.

[BewareofDawg]

Take 1 look at Diaz's face after that fight and tell me Nightmare didn't whip that ass:deal
Are you Diego Sanchez???

Rashad Evans is the more skilled fighter, by far. His striking is a couple levels above Diegos and his wrestling is leagues above as well. Diego has him in jiu jitsu and tenacity.

Diego's striking is not great, it's overrated. You will see. BJ Penn is gonna make him look amateurish on his feet in there.

And stop calling him "Nightmare" :lol: just say diego or sanchez please.

[Dynamite Kid]

Are you Diego Sanchez???

Rashad Evans is the more skilled fighter, by far. His striking is a couple levels above Diegos and his wrestling is leagues above as well. Diego has him in jiu jitsu and tenacity.

Diego's striking is not great, it's overrated. You will see. BJ Penn is gonna make him look amateurish on his feet in there.

And stop calling him "Nightmare" :lol: just say diego or sanchez please.

First off, why would you quote what I said about Diaz and come with Rashad Evans logic?:huh

Secondly, Evans is NOT more skilled than Diego. Rashad is better in Wrestling. Diego is light years ahead in JIU-JITSU. They're even in Boxing. And as an overall fighter, Diego's Fight game is better than Evans.

Third, NIGHTMARE!!

:lol:

[BewareofDawg]

First off, why would you quote what I said about Diaz and come with Rashad Evans logic?:huh

Secondly, Evans is NOT more skilled than Diego. Rashad is better in Wrestling. Diego is light years ahead in JIU-JITSU. They're even in Boxing. And as an overall fighter, Diego's Fight game is better than Evans.

Third, NIGHTMARE!!

:lol:
At least you used "Diego" :yep Their standup IS NOT even lol are you blind or out of your mind dude???

[québecwarrior]

Sanchez is a better fighter than Evans

[Dynamite Kid]

At least you used "Diego" :yep Their standup IS NOT even lol are you blind or out of your mind dude???

Bro come on, neither one of them have a highlight reel of KO's. Neither one of them are Mirko Cro Cop. They both have 1.

Punches
Sanchez-KO over Joe Riggs
Evans-KO over Chuck Liddell

Head Kicks
Sanchez- KO over Luigi Fiorivanti
Evans- KO over Sean Salmon

I'm blind??:huh

[BewareofDawg]

Bro come on, neither one of them have many KO's with they're hands. They both have 1.

Punches
Sanchez-KO over Joe Riggs
Evans-KO over Chuck Liddell

Head Kicks
Sanchez- KO over Luigi Fiorivanti
Evans- KO over Sean Salmon

I'm crazy??:huh
I'm not gonna be unreasonable or stubborn or anything like that, I'll just hit you up after the Penn fight :good Sanchez wide stance, head forward style is gonna get exploited. The guy fights with the backs of his fists pointing towards his opponent for christ sake :lol: Thats how old men "put up your dukes" pose to fight :deal

[Dynamite Kid]

I'm not gonna be unreasonable or stubborn or anything like that, I'll just hit you up after the Penn fight :good Sanchez wide stance, head forward style is gonna get exploited. The guy fights with the backs of his fists pointing towards his opponent for christ sake :lol: Thats how old men "put up your dukes" pose to fight :deal

:lol:That was only in the Stevenson fight and I don't know what he was thinking doing that.

[chimba]

Bro come on, neither one of them have a highlight reel of KO's. Neither one of them are Mirko Cro Cop. They both have 1.

Punches
Sanchez-KO over Joe Riggs
Evans-KO over Chuck Liddell

Head Kicks
Sanchez- KO over Luigi Fiorivanti
Evans- KO over Sean Salmon

I'm blind??:huh

Difference is Evans were straight up knocked out! while Sanchez was a KD and follow up. That Riggs fight was a double knockdown, Diego was on queer street himself. Power definitely advantage Evans.

[Dynamite Kid]

Difference is Evans were straight up knocked out! while Sanchez was a KD and follow up. That Riggs fight was a double knockdown, Diego was on queer street himself. Power definitely advantage Evans.

WHAT IN THE BLOODY HELL DOUBLE KNOWNDOWN QUEER STREET WERE YOU LOOKING AT?!:blood

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[BewareofDawg]

:lol:That was only in the Stevenson fight and I don't know what he was thinking doing that.
:lol: ok good so it did happen. After I posted that I second guessed myself and have been looking for videos of him actually doing it :rofl

Wanna avatar bet, I'll even give it to you if NIGHTMARE makes it the distance, I'll give you the win. No way he's making it passed 3 rounds with BJ.

[BewareofDawg]

:lol:That was only in the Stevenson fight and I don't know what he was thinking doing that.
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

This is the Diego I miss man, he was one of my favorites until the Koscheck fight. After that, he hasn't been the same.

[BewareofDawg]

WHAT IN THE BLOODY HELL DOUBLE KNOWNDOWN QUEER STREET WERE YOU LOOKING AT?!:blood

[Only registered and activated users can see links]
[Only registered and activated users can see links]
Diego getting schooled by Shields lol

[Dynamite Kid]

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

This is the Diego I miss man, he was one of my favorites until the Koscheck fight. After that, he hasn't been the same.

I love TUF season 1:good That was the best season IMO. I couldn't miss an episode when it first aired. I rooted Diego the whole way through because I already had some of his old fights from KOTC so I knew who he was. He's still that guy that he was in 05. He's even better now IMO and even more experienced. Sure he's wild at times, but no fighter is perfect. Everyone has a flaw.

I'll take you up on that bet. I never betted an avatar before. Should be fun:lol: How does an avatar bet work exactly? You choose my avatar? in vice versa?

[Dynamite Kid]

[Only registered and activated users can see links]
Diego getting schooled by Shields lol

Yeah I been saw that match. Shields was to big & strong and a stud in Jiu-jitsu himself.

[BewareofDawg]

I love TUF season 1:good That was the best season IMO. I couldn't miss an episode when it first aired. I rooted Diego the whole way through because I already had some of his old fights from KOTC so I knew who he was. He's still that guy that he was in 05. He's even better now IMO and even more experienced. Sure he's wild at times, but no fighter is perfect. Everyone has a flaw.

I'll take you up on that bet. I never betted an avatar before. Should be fun:lol: How does an avatar bet work exactly? You choose my avatar? in vice versa?
Yeah it's simple. If Diego wins or even makes it the distance then you get to choose what picture I put in my avatar for a month, and vice versa. So I only win if BJ beats him inside the distance :good

Yeah Shields is no joke.

[chimba]

WHAT IN THE BLOODY HELL DOUBLE KNOWNDOWN QUEER STREET WERE YOU LOOKING AT?!:blood

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

made you look:lol:, it was a double hook. Diego was fucked up in that fight as well but like I said the kid has heart and manage to concentrate on finishing Riggs

[Dynamite Kid]

Yeah it's simple. If Diego wins or even makes it the distance then you get to choose what picture I put in my avatar for a month, and vice versa. So I only win if BJ beats him inside the distance :good

Yeah Shields is no joke.

Ok cool. Bet:good

Yeah Shields is really good. I may not like him much but I can't deny he's a talented mofo. I think he'll pick up the Strikeforce middleweight championship. He's to slick on the ground and when he subbed Lawler I was pissed(cause I'm a Lawler fan) but I was impressed, because that was Shield's first fight at 185 to my understanding. I started taking real notice to him when he beat up on Charuto.

[Dynamite Kid]

made you look:lol:, it was a double hook. Diego was fucked up in that fight as well but like I said the kid has heart and manage to concentrate on finishing Riggs

Dude, Diego CLEARLY ate that shot. He wasn't stunned, wobbled, hurt, or anything. Sure that shot pushed him back, Riggs can hit and is a Boxer by nature, but he ate it. Diego didn't even winse.

[chimba]

Dude, Diego CLEARLY ate that shot. He wasn't stunned, wobbled, hurt, or anything. Sure that shot pushed him back, Riggs can hit and is a Boxer by nature, but he ate it. Diego didn't even winse.

Sure he ate that shot and his adrenalin rush pushed him through, but if you saw the full fight, Diego was fucked up in his corner down.

[Dynamite Kid]

Sure he ate that shot and his adrenalin rush pushed him through, but if you saw the full fight, Diego was fucked up in his corner down.

Because he got hit in the eye. When he got up he had trouble with his vision momentarely.

[Beebs]

This is just absurd; Diego "destroys" Sherk? Has some sort of great standup with huge power?

Where the hell is all this coming from?

[Dynamite Kid]

This is just absurd; Diego "destroys" Sherk? Has some sort of great standup with huge power?

Where the hell is all this coming from?

If you were reading correctly, nobody said Sanchez has "great" standup, but what he lacks in pure skill on the feet he makes up for with big power and Sherk would be INEFFECTIVE on the feet with him. He would get picked apart. Again.

Who the hell has Sherk ever knocked out? Answer please.

[Beebs]

If you were reading correctly, nobody said Sanchez has "great" standup, but what he lacks in pure skill on the feet he makes up for with big power and Sherk would be INEFFECTIVE on the feet with him. He would get picked apart. Again.

Who the hell has Sherk ever knocked out? Answer please.


Where is this idea of "big power" coming from? He's looked much improved with his stand up for sure, but one knockdown against one fighter is hardly proof of "big power."

Sherk has pretty good boxing for a guy with T-Rex arms, he beat Tyson Griffin standing, which is pretty impressive.

Diego would have a chance, but he's just coming off a decision against Clay Guida that was not particuarly impressive, Sherk is basically a much better version of Guida. Sherk would be the clear favorite.

[Dynamite Kid]

Where is this idea of "big power" coming from? He's looked much improved with his stand up for sure, but one knockdown against one fighter is hardly proof of "big power."

Sherk has pretty good boxing for a guy with T-Rex arms, he beat Tyson Griffin standing, which is pretty impressive.

Diego would have a chance, but he's just coming off a decision against Clay Guida that was not particuarly impressive, Sherk is basically a much better version of Guida. Sherk would be the clear favorite.

Maybe in your opinion he'd be the favorite. But not in the minds of odds makers, and certantly not in mine. Or anyone with some sense for that matter.

As far as his power, explain to me the fights with Joe Riggs, Karo Parisyan, & Clay Guida. He KO'd riggs brutally. Hurt Karo with a very nice uppercut in the beginning of they're fight, and he had Guida ready to go twice in the first round of they're fight. You can't possibly tell me or even debate Sherk is a bigger hitter than Diego or that Diego doesn't have descent power. Nobody said devastating power. But he'll sure knock somebody's ass out if they sleep on him. That I guarantee. Just ask Joe Riggs.

As far as you saying Diego's win over Guida wasn't impressive. I don't know what the hell fight you were watching, but that was one of the best fights of the year IMO and Diego whipped his ass and won all 3 rounds. Just because he didn't stop Guida(which he almost did twice in the very first round, and you have to credit Guida's toughness) doesn't mean he wasn't impressive. That's ridiculously absurd. That win wasn't impressive? WTF were you watching dude:blood

[Beebs]

I'm not saying Sherk hits harder, Im saying he has the more technical and better striking game. Diego has certainly gotten better standing, but his punching power isn't really anything to right home about, it was a knee that KOd Riggs. I mean there is no way Diego would KO BJ or Sherk.

Diego looked good during periods against Guida, but Sherk wouldn't get overwhelmed standing like Guida did, and where Guida didn't quite finish his takedown or advance when he did, Sherk probably would.

[Sloth]

What a fight this is gonna be, I think Penn may not be able to keep up with the intensity and conditioning of Diego. So then i think Penns gameplan is end it early on!


Penn will show his experience on Sanchez's face. Just like he did against Stevenson.

[Dynamite Kid]

I'm not saying Sherk hits harder, Im saying he has the more technical and better striking game. Diego has certainly gotten better standing, but his punching power isn't really anything to right home about, it was a knee that KOd Riggs. I mean there is no way Diego would KO BJ or Sherk.

Diego looked good during periods against Guida, but Sherk wouldn't get overwhelmed standing like Guida did, and where Guida didn't quite finish his takedown or advance when he did, Sherk probably would.

But it was a right hook that floored him and set up that knee.

And of course Sherk would possibly finish some TD's, he's physically strong himself and is a stud Wrestler, you'll never catch me debating that. As far as Wrestling credentials, he's above Diego. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a Sherk hater, I support the guy and root for him more times than not. But stylistically he doesn't match up well with Diego. Guys that aren't physically strong enough to match Sherk(like Florian, Nick Diaz) or not much intensity & pace(Franca) are gonna have a really hard time with him and Sherk will dictate & control opponents like that.

Diego is the exact opposite of all the above. If Sherk takes him down(which he possibly can) won't mean he's gonna control the fight. I see Sherk getting cut open trying to protect his head while Diego will remain throwing at whatever he sees. And Diego has good subs from off his back but I think he'll just get right back to his feet at some point. I don't see Sherk controlling & out muscling Diego the way Fitch did. Fitch almost kind of like reverse pile drived Diego:lol: I just don't Sherk being able to treat him that way.

I think he stops Sherk, either due to a cut or he'll break him down standing up, or maybe catch him with something big. Diego is a more versatile fighter than Sherk. Diego can possibly knock you out, he can submit you, ground & pound, whatever etc. Sherk's only hope is to lay & pray and I just don't see Sanchez getting beat like that.

As far as BJ? I don't think Diego knocks him out or subs him. BJ's Boxing base is better than Diego's. They both have good chins, and no way does Diego out Jiu jitsu BJ either. Diego has to out work him, out fight him.

I'm not sold on BJ's cardio being where it should be. Diego(just like Hughes & GSP) is a fighter with amazing cardio. That's what it takes to beat Penn. BJ Penn is leaps & bounds ahead of Matt Hughes in the skills deparment, but Hughes's pace is what broke Penn. He keeps going. Just like how GSP broke Penn, he keeps going. Diego is that kind of fighter. Now we'll see where BJ's cardio really is. It's easy for people to say Penn's fights with Sherk & Florian is proof his cardio is where it should be at 155. BJ dictated & controlled those guys to a point it almost looked like sparring. Diego Sanchez is no sparring partner.

[BewareofDawg]

But it was a right hook that floored him and set up that knee.

And of course Sherk would possibly finish some TD's, he's physically strong himself and is a stud Wrestler, you'll never catch me debating that. As far as Wrestling credentials, he's above Diego. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a Sherk hater, I support the guy and root for him more times than not. But stylistically he doesn't match up well with Diego. Guys that aren't physically strong enough to match Sherk(like Florian, Nick Diaz) or not much intensity & pace(Franca) are gonna have a really hard time with him and Sherk will dictate & control opponents like that.

Diego is the exact opposite of all the above. If Sherk takes him down(which he possibly can) won't mean he's gonna control the fight. I see Sherk getting cut open trying to protect his head while Diego will remain throwing at whatever he sees. And Diego has good subs from off his back but I think he'll just get right back to his feet at some point. I don't see Sherk controlling & out muscling Diego the way Fitch did. Fitch almost kind of like reverse pile drived Diego:lol: I just don't Sherk being able to treat him that way.

I think he stops Sherk, either due to a cut or he'll break him down standing up, or maybe catch him with something big. Diego is a more versatile fighter than Sherk. Diego can possibly knock you out, he can submit you, ground & pound, whatever etc. Sherk's only hope is to lay & pray and I just don't see Sanchez getting beat like that.

As far as BJ? I don't think Diego knocks him out or subs him. BJ's Boxing base is better than Diego's. They both have good chins, and no way does Diego out Jiu jitsu BJ either. Diego has to out work him, out fight him.

I'm not sold on BJ's cardio being where it should be. Diego(just like Hughes & GSP) is a fighter with amazing cardio. That's what it takes to beat Penn. BJ Penn is leaps & bounds ahead of Matt Hughes in the skills deparment, but Hughes's pace is what broke Penn. He keeps going. Just like how GSP broke Penn, he keeps going. Diego is that kind of fighter. Now we'll see where BJ's cardio really is. It's easy for people to say Penn's fights with Sherk & Florian is proof his cardio is where it should be at 155. BJ dictated & controlled those guys to a point it almost looked like sparring. Diego Sanchez is no sparring partner.
Hughes beat Penn because he was so much stronger and bigger then him, he wore him down because he was able to muscle out of the triangle and arm bar that penn got him in.....Diego could not have survived that, neither could've any other lightweight. That was a classic example of "size and strenght" saving a fighter from defeat. Then Penns rib broke and I think his lack of preparation took a toll and he had NOTHING left in the final round, and that was obvious. That was THE WORST BJ has looked inside the octogan or any other ring, that last round with Hughes, he looked absolutely awful.....he was getting picked apart by Matt Hughes on his feet:lol:, this is a guy who has thrown hands with Machida and GSP. GSP wore him down because he had an even bigger size and strength advantage then Hughes did, but he also can just about match Penn in skills.

Now. Diego may not have a strength advantage over him, you don't know yet. You are banking on that for your basis for him wearing him down. Sherk, Florian, Stevensen, Pulver....all those guys FAILED to dictate the pace of the fight. Hughes and GSP were able to eventually take the fight to the cage wall and the floor, and force BJ to constantly defend. If Diego cannot somehow impose his will on the superior striker, and ever improving Penn then he is gonna find himself in the same kind of fight Florian and Sherk were.....and sparring session, in which Diego gets outpointed with the jab and occassional combo, up until Penn stuns him and takes him down and finishes him off. That is the most likely scenario, and one I would place my money on. Diego is more aggressive and heated then sherk and Florian so I think he will be more aggressive == less defensive and get caught earlier and finished in the 1st 3 rounds.

He is fighting a better striker then himself, who has one of the best chins in all of MMA, one of the best if not the best ground games in all of MMA and the best takedown defense in all of MMA. Good Luck Diego! :yep

[BewareofDawg]

GSP and Hughes are renowned for their strength. From members of their camps, you get amazement at the strength of both guys. Obviously they had a huge advantage over Penn, they would have advantages over middleweights in strenght. But that is not to say that Penn is not very strong himself. The guy was able to fight off GSP's takedowns for the entire first round.....something Hughes, Fitch, Kos, Alves, Sherk, Trigg, etc etc could not do. I am thinking that Penn will be the "stronger" fighter in the ring with Diego as well as having all the advantages in skill. All Diego will have is cardio, and that has never been tested past 3 rounds either. Diego has never been in a championship fight, so how does anyone know what his stamina will be like in the 4th and 5th?

[BewareofDawg]

Just rewatched Sanchez vs Stevenson:

1. Sanchez is gonna get dominated on his feet
2. He is way too open for shots, Stevensen was hitting him with clean shots because Diego's defense sucks
3. This fight will only go to the ground if BJ says so. Diego lands like only 30% of his takedowns.....huh???? BJ is the HARDEST fighter in the world to takedown.
4. I see this fight as a very very easy one to call. BJ TKO or submission in 2 or 3 rounds.

[Dynamite Kid]

Just rewatched Sanchez vs Stevenson:

1. Sanchez is gonna get dominated on his feet
2. He is way too open for shots, Stevensen was hitting him with clean shots because Diego's defense sucks
3. This fight will only go to the ground if BJ says so. Diego lands like only 30% of his takedowns.....huh???? BJ is the HARDEST fighter in the world to takedown.
4. I see this fight as a very very easy one to call. BJ TKO or submission in 2 or 3 rounds.

Bro come on, you're an MMA fan and you seem like you know the game pretty well. Sanchez vs Stevenson is the wrong fight to look at. That's the only fight from Sanchez that I don't really like to much. That wasn't the real Diego and you know this. He just tried to Box in that fight, and his guard was pretty weird looking, we spoke about this:lol: Why don't you judge off the fight with Karo? Where Diego's Boxing was ok, and he pushed the pace to a point he made Karo his bitch.

If you wanna judge off bad fights, we can look at Penn's 2nd fight with Hughes. If Penn show's up with that paticular gas tank, Diego stops him around the same time Hughes did and in devastating fashion. No if's, or maybe's:deal