Originally Posted by
Eddie Bravo
That crazy strategy should retire not BJ.
Kill the tip toe boxing stance.
Kill the feet on hips guard.
Kill the flat on the back defensive butterfly guard.
35 is not old. He's in amazing shape. He didn't lose because his body is breaking down. He lost the way he did because of that strange strategy. The whole world was confused.
He should stay at 145, and fight a couple of mid level guys to get his confidence back and I truly believe, with the correct/proper training camps, he can still beat some of the best at 145.
And of course I would recommend an offensive clinching guard when on his back. Not one arm bar, Oma plata, Gogo plata, or triangle attempt by BJ. Vitor went after Jones off his back, Pettis went after Benson, Anderson went after Chael, even Tito went after Machida off his back, there's no reason BJ can't attack off his back.
Just my opinion, I've never done MMA so what do I know, I could be way off. These are just my thoughts, thank you for taking the time to read this :-)
I have to fully agree with this. I am pretty sure we said the exact same thing in different words. This was my facebook status right after the fight and a few posts after:
"Can someone please tell me how someone with dexterity, record, and ability like BJ Penn could fight like a beginner in the cage? I seriously just do not understand what he was thinking getting in the cage if he wasnt AT LEAST planning to TRY..
The omaplata was there. The armbar was there. He didnt try for 1 submission. He didn't try one sweep, not one thing apart from an open guard and poor head control...
Striking wise in my opinion he didn't throw one kick. He didn't throw one punch with a single shred of conviction. Why ask for a fight and hype it if you don't plan to fight?
If you are not ready for Frankie Edgar I UNDERSTAND. No shame in that. Get a few back under your belt. But he didnt belong in there tonight. It was sad."
"I fully respect Bj Penn retiring. He needed too. I just wish we got to see one head kick, one punch of old. One omaplata from his early days. Maybe a submission attempt even. It was absolutely terrible to see BJ Penn come back and be a target for a last fight."
"That's the crazy part. He asked for that fight!! He has been saying he wanted it. Then he lost that desire before they even started. I think BJ Penn with a real coaching team that wasn't a bunch of "yes men" would have given him a great comeback. A team like Jackson's MMA could make him a champ again. His coaching team is awful. I would be screaming at him to activate that guard. His reguard is amazing. go for it!"
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