The MMA Digest

Photo Courtesy of Spike TV

The UFC’s lightweight division has been a convoluted and confusing weight class for many years. When Jens Pulver left with the belt after defeating B.J Penn in early 2002, it destroyed the momentum of the weight class. It wasn’t until February 2003 that order was expected to be restored–Caol Uno and B.J. met in the finals of the lightweight tournament to decide who’d be the champion. Unfortunately the bout was declared a draw and still left the 155 pound strap without an owner. Finally in October 2006, a fight between Sean Sherk and Kenny Florian would decide the true owner of the belt, and Sherk was victorious in the 5 round affair. With Sherk recently testing positive for steroids, the belt is once again in jeopardy of being without an owner. Dana White has stated Sherk will be stripped of the belt if he is found guilty in his appeal.

With Joe Stevenson winning his bout this past weekend over Kurt Pelligrino, there was a buzz that there would be a great chance for him earning a title shot. But the problem is we will have to wait and she what comes out of the Sherk appeal to decide what will occur. On top of that, B.J. Penn was in line for a title shot and was set to fight Sean Sherk before the steroid scandal emerged. So if Sherk is found innocent, Penn would surely be first in line. If Sherk is found guilty and stripped of the title, a bout between Penn and Stevenson for the vacant belt would be a logical choice to be set up.