The MMA Digest

Photo: UFC.com

While Joe Stevenson fought valiantly, the disparity in skill proved to be the deciding factor in allowing BJ Penn to defeat Stevenson earlier today. Penn now has attained the lightweight title, which eluded him twice before. From the get-go, Penn dropped Stevenson with in a flurry and worked from top position from there. Stevenson showed effectiveness off his back in scrambling back to guard when mounted. Stevenson gained some momentum late in round one when he landed several strikes from his back towards Penn’s head. But Penn was very cool and collected throughout the battle, and quickly afterwards landed an elbow from up top which cut open Stevenson badly. While able to continue, Stevenson was once again put on his back after a punch from Penn in round two. Afterwards the strikes from Penn on the ground worsened the cut, Penn took mount, Stevenson gave his back, Penn trapped his arm with the leg and sunk in the rear naked choke for the win.

Penn is certainly going to be a handful for Sean Sherk to deal with once the two eventually meet up for a title fight. It should make for an interesting battle due to their differences in styles as well as the loads of trash talk which has been tossed around between the two fighters.