When B.J. Penn takes an opponent’s back, the end is often near. | Photo: Sherdog.com
10. B.J. Penn’s Back Control
The Hawaiian’s flexibility often aids him, not only in taking an adversary’s back but in maintaining the position. Penn’s high level of MMA awareness makes it extremely difficult to shake free, and he is also adept at sinking in his hooks.
Penn showed some solid work from back control in the opening frame against Jon Fitch at UFC 127, the first time he had put those skills on display for an extended period since stopping Kenny Florian with a rear-naked choke at UFC 101. After standing for the majority of the first three rounds with Florian, Penn took the fight to the mat in round four. He went from side control to mount before taking Florian’s back twice. The Boston native did his best to defend but eventually succumbed to the choke before the round expired.
While there is no question the gifted Penn has a wide array of options at his disposal, his relentless attacks from back control have been successful more often than not.
Honorable Mentions: Katsunori Kikuno’s crescent kick to the liver; Paul Daley’s left hook; Urijah Faber’s guillotine choke; Vitor Belfort’s hand speed; Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic’s head kick.