B.J. Penn vs. Carlos Condit in the works, possible for UFC 137
Posted on July 12, 2011, 08:24 PM by Joey Santosus
A Welterweight scrap between former Lightweight kingpin B.J. Penn and surging contender Carlos Condit is currently in the works for this Fall.
Sources close to the development have confirmed that both fighters have, in fact, been offered the match-up, though only one has formally accepted. If their recent less-than-official agreement on Twitter is any indicator, however, the bout may be finalized shortly.
The fight is one that initially peaked fan interest ahead of UFC 132, when "The Natural Born Killer" was discussed as a possible replacement opponent for Penn when Jon Fitch was forced out of their scheduled rematch. But, the bout failed to materialize when "The Prodigy" also withdrew from the card citing injuries.
Penn (16-7-2) returned to Welterweight last November after his long time title reign at 155-pounds came to an end. Welcoming him back to the division was a familiar face in Matt Hughes, who the Hawaiian needed just 21-seconds to dispatch of via stunning knockout. Following the victory, Penn was matched up with perennial contender Jon Fitch at UFC 127 in Australia. Though the bout was expected to name a number-one contender, after a grueling three-round affair, it was declared a draw.
Condit (27-5), meanwhile, is fresh off a dramatic first-round knockout victory over touted South Korean prospect Dong Hyun Kim at UFC 132. The win marks his fourth straight, having previously defeated Dan Hardy, Rory MacDonald, and Jake Ellenberger. His only loss with the promotion dates back to his 2009 UFC debut, when Martin Kampmann edged out a split decision over the former WEC champ.
While there has been no official word on a potential date for the fight, Penn suggested via Twitter that it would be UFC 137, set to take place October 29th. If so, Penn vs. Condit would likely serve as the card's co-main event alongside the Welterweight title bout between Georges St. Pierre and Nick Diaz.
Photo: BJ Penn before his fight with Kenny Florian during UFC 101 at the Wachovia Center on August 8, 2009, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Francis Specker
Comments
I've been calling for this fight since Condit won at 132, this will be a WAR. Big win for ethier guys butmore for Condit
Really really hope this happens....can't believe one of my dream fights mite actually happen
Man any matchup between Diaz, Condit, Penn and even Alves (more so before he lost to Story) are/were dream matchups of mine.
BJ PENN SO CIIIUUUUUTTTTTEEEE. looks like a baby man
why putting bj "in the mix" when he already lost twice to the champ, and condit is a "fresh" contender.
Because Condit will beat the crap outta Bj and finally securing his well earn title fight!!
condit beat the crap out of BJ? wat are you on. It wont be an easy fight but i cant see condit beating a much more well rounded BJ let alone beat the crap out of him
Totally agree. BJ is a step back for condit.
I dunno about that, could u imagine if diaz beats GSP and Penn beats condit....Penn VS Diaz would be a match up I could see myself getting an erection over....I am jumping the gun a little i no but think...its is possible!!!!
BJ vs Diaz would be a dream match for the ages. Both guys a so good and similar in a lot of ways. that would be fight of the year for sure if it happens
If these guys fight on the Diaz vs. GSP card it would be killer! That puts all four of them on the same schedule; meaning that the winner of Condit vs. B.J. could face Diaz after he blows GSP out of the divsion,forcing him to move to middleweight. Regardless of who wins, it makes for some interesting possibilities any which way you put your spin to it..
Bj isnt a step back for anyone
I knew I would get some flack for the above comment but I still believe that in the 170 division he isn't relevant although he is a great fighter
This a fight I believe that suits Penn style
Who cares about "the mix". This is great fight.
Great fight! no one wants to see BJ vs lame ass-wall n stall-hit n run-lay n prey-mr.decision Jon Fitch Bitch again,good fight for BJ,Fitch can fight until 2012 for all I care,at last you got one right Joe Silva you tool!
Man Penn has that solid chin. Can Condit knock him out? I doubt it but who knows. Pulling for BJ in this one.
Same Penn is my top 5 fav fighters of all time so I hope he can take this one but Condit is a sick fighter also excited to see him fight any day
bet it doesnt happen i bet penn still rematches fitch before fighting anyone else
I dont think so cause Penn said that Joe Silva doesnt want that fight cause the fans dont want to see it....hopefully Condit fight happens it would b amazing
I could actually see Shields vs Fitch being a decent fight. It would also be good for both of them bc theyll be able to brush up on their standup skills for an edge on eachother. Maybe theyll be able to stand up in future matchups.
Bj penn is one of the greatest of all time, world bjj champion with phenominal boxing.. condits been on a tear and other than gsp and diaz.. id consider him the man to beat right now... great fight for both fighters and we get to see someone strike with bj.. amazing fight in the mix!
bj by sub, I think bjs got better striking but condits just a beast.. SICK FIGHT!
My only concern is that Condit is so big.
This is gonna be an amazing fight if it happens, both guys always deliver exciting fights. And the people who say bj is a step back for Condit need to have thier heads checked: the top three ww contenders,Shields, Fitch and Condit have all challenged BJ personally via twitter. So maybe according to stats/rankings BJ isn't the top of the division, but to the actual fighters a match with em is a huge deal.
Bj penn should always remain in the top ten p4p let alone ww or lw divisions. Anybody with any sense know bj is a huge name and a huge challenge no matter what weight class it is...i mean the guy gave machida a good fight at lhw. Penn is a beast and we seen fitch could not really lnp on him.
holly sh!t it'a gonna be fireworks
For the record, that should be 'piqued fan interest' NOT 'peaked fan interest'.
Any fight between Carlos Condit and a top five WW piques my interest, since I don't believe Carlos Condit has peaked as a fighter.
BJ is a great fighter but he has no business in the 170 division these days. He should think about dropping to 145. That is a way better fit for his frame