UFC 118 features a highly anticipated rematch-title-bout between former Lightweight Champion BJ Penn and reigning Champion Frankie Edgar at TD Garden in Boston, Mass. Aug. 28.
It may seem unfair that Edgar has to face Penn again in his very first title defense since dethroning the former champion at UFC 112 last April. But given Penn's two-year reign and the loss of his title via unanimous decision UFC President Dana White might have felt the need to evaluate if Edgar's win was a fluke or not.
Moreover, Penn claimed that he was suffering from a respiratory infection during the fight which allegedly affected his performance against Edgar. Since the event took place overseas in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, it is possible that the pre-fight physical was more lax than usual and Penn's condition was missed.
Regardless, Penn and Edgar will certainly try not to leave the outcome of their rematch in the hands of the judges this time around although Edgar has a tendency to find favor with them (7 wins via decision). Given the similar fighting styles that include strong wrestling backgrounds neither one of the two is a push over when it comes to takedowns, but Penn has proven to be the more well-rounded fighter (6 wins via submission and TKO respectively).
Penn also has more experience than Edgar with a total of 22 pro mixed martial arts fights versus Edgar's 13. But Edgar makes up for that with a 4-bout win streak which might give him the necessary momentum to once again overwhelm Penn.
Realistically, Edgar will have to come up with a new game plan since Penn will be well prepared for his previous tactics. On the other side of the coin, Penn will have to dig deep to find a hole in Edgar's game who has never been knocked out or submitted before. Although Penn is currently featured as heavy betting favorite with a score of -350 versus Edgar's +250 according to BetUs, the probability of Penn outwitting Edgar is rather small while the likelihood of Edgar outlasting and outscoring Penn is in fact significantly higher.
Predicted winner: Edgar via decision.
UFC 118 tickets are available online at Ticketmaster. The fights can also be viewed at select movie theaters in the U.S. for $15, for free at select bars, and via cable or online PPV for $44.95.
Check out these UFC® 118 predictions from other MMA Examiners:
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National MMA Examine Astrid Bidanec
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Miami MMA Examiner Harry Bergollo
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National MMA Examiner Eddie Graveline
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Houston MMA Examiner A.J. Hoffman
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Philadelphia MMA Examiner Kyle Holdsworth
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Indianapolis MMA Examiner Dennis "D Source" Guillermo
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Detroit Fight Sports Examiner Bill Shimizu
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Providence Fight Sports Examiner Joseph Roche
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Durham MMA Examiner Justin Harris
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Columbus MMA Examiner Trisha Barr
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Canadian MMA Examiner Mike Johnson
Comments
I think that B.J Penn has great Jiu Jitsu and the skills to be the first to submit Edgar but honestly, cardio has never been his strenght so if he can't do it in the first 10-12min Edgar will keep his belt.
G, I agree that Penn has the skills to achieve the apparently impossible feat of submitting Edgar. But aside from the lacking cardio you mentioned I also think that Penn has shown a tendency for making excuses (e.g. the vaseline controversy when he lost against GSP and the alleged respiratory infection when he lost against Egar). Not admitting his shortcomings will always keep him from fixing any holes in his game. It also would not hurt him to give his opponents credit where credit is due. Ultimately, Penn's lack of humbleness is his greatest enemy.
Edgar??? Good joke but this column is about sports, not recreation. Thanks for the laughter anyway.
Thanks for the news flash, Anonymous. at least you know your way around this site. ;-)
Wow! Penn looked very hungry at the weigh-in! Being intense like a flash in the pan doesn't make you win though so I'm still rooting for Edgar :-)
@Anonymous Yeah Astrid has the hability to make anyone smiling and happy. Anyway, why staying anonymous when you comment? Is your name as laughable as you think this article is???
Well, look who has the last laugh now, Anonymous. ;-)
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