Penn vs. MacDonald

This is the official discussion thread for Penn vs. MacDonald. Let's see what you've got.

man Hendricks has unreal power. 
3 days til The Prodigy's return

I can't wait for some Iz music to hit the arena speakers and The Prodigy to make his way down to the cage!!!

Let me tell you how I feel about Hendricks.  When he caught Fitch, I was truly shocked, and to tell the truth, somewhat disgusted.  I was pissed at Hendricks for getting 'lucky'.  

And when he immediately asked for a title shot, I was amazed at his chutzpah and audacity.  To go from #18, get a win and then ask for a title shot was just too fresh, arrogant and presumed WAY too much.

Fitch was coming off an injury, had ring rust, wasn't familiar with Hendricks power, and showed imperfect timing.  Anyone can get caught.

But then, after I watched Hendricks give a few interviews, he started to win me over, I got to know him more and better, and I actually started to like him, as a man and a person.  

I am now one of his fans.  And his KO of Martin Kampmann did show me and all of us that Johny was for real, had explosive 1-punch KO power and is a force to be reckoned with.

But . . . to say that his KO of Fitch would happen again, is just not being real with his chances.  There are people with 1-punch KO power who do not win all their fights with a KO.  

When Hendricks caught Fitch, it was like ambushing someone with a hidden weapon.  There are people who are very adept at avoiding weapons like that.  GSP is one such person.  

GSP once got caught with a weapon and lost his title to a man that should NEVER have caught him.  But GSP admitted he took Serra for granted, under-trained for the fight, and didn't realize Serra had a bomb in his hands.  It happens.  And GSP hasn't been caught since, despite facing such hand grenade lobbers as Alves, Hardy and Koscheck.

Fitch is now on to Johny.  He knows all about his secret.  He will be ready for him next time.  Fitch himself is extremely adelpt at avoiding bombs, as he showed against Erick Silva.  

I have very solid reasons for believing that Johny Hendricks will NEVER EVER again beat Jon Fitch.  Fitch would just love to avenge that loss, and the UFC is absolutely terrified of ever letting that happen.  The elephant in the room is when the UFC will let Fitch fight contenders again.  Just how many obstacles can they throw in his path?

* Edited at 12.05.2012, 12:10 PM ET *

Bill, sooooo what you're saying is that you think BJ is going to win and you're changing your pick to Penn via KO/TKO?

@ibj6  Huh?  What would lead you to think that?

nothing. it was a joke used in an attempt to get away from the whole fitch deal that is constantly brought up

Odds are up: Rory MacDonald -284 vs. B.J. Penn +228

War Penn!

Fighter bashing?

* Edited at 12.05.2012, 3:25 PM ET *

I didn't realize you could win a UFC title in two different weight classes and still be considered a can....interesting.

One of the all time greatest vs. a guy who one day will be considered one of the greatest. I'm slightly surprised by the 1/3 voters who think Penn will win, sure he's an amazing fighter and more motivated than ever, but MacDonald was 7 seconds away from still being undefeated. I doubt Penn gets finished here, but he could very well look like a mess when this is all over. MacDonald should get his big win here and it should push him to the ranks of superstar.

I expect MacDonald to get a W over a big name, thereby studding his resume nicely.

I am PRAYING BJ keeps fighting and stays motivated.

BJ will never be a can.  The worst you can say about him is that he under-performed recently due to a flawed training program due to a lack of motivation.  But he will have the potential to correct things for a long time.  

After being a Penn hater for years, this is the first time I'll be rooting for him and actually betting on him.

Old guard.

I think BJ might fight like he fought against fitch and try and submit rory,BJ by Submission

Im with you Pride . I hope BJ goes back to his bread and butter.

Beat me to it Poir.  BJ's lookin' mean!!

* Edited at 12.06.2012, 3:41 PM ET *

BJ looks motivated !

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaar...

BJ is pissed...Rory is going night night. Rory's best win was Nate who is a 55'er...other than that his last 2 wins are Mike Pyle and Che Mills...He ain't ready for a Killer like Penn.