Pros Picks: Penn vs. Florian

After a forgettable performance against UFC welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre in January, B.J. Penn has vowed to show up in the best shape of his life for the UFC 101 “Declaration” main event this Saturday at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia.

The UFC lightweight champion will have his hands full against top contender Kenny Florian, who has not lost a fight in almost three years.

Sherdog.com recently spoke to dozens of professional fighters and trainers and found out where they stood on this lightweight showdown.

I think B.J. is going to come out hungry with something to prove because of his last loss. The only problem is that Kenny always comes in sick shape, and B.J. is known for not always being in [good shape]. I feel B.J. has the advantage on the floor. Kenny’s advantage with his Thai boxing might make this one an upset.

Both of these guys serve as examples of the evolution of this sport, [with] good skill sets in all areas. And Florian gets my vote for the most improved fighter; his run to this point has been amazing. Kenny can decision B.J. with his movement and striking. But the likely outcome is that Penn gets on top, passes to half guard, underhooks the pass side (his head is a counter balance on the mount side), stuffs the already smashed butterfly hook and steps to mount. From here, B.J. finishes fights. No one can seem to duplicate or defend this. Penn wins.

B.J. Penn all the way. He’s too big for Kenny, and I think he will KO him.

The fight between B.J. and Florian will be a good one. I know that B.J.’s camp has been hard because he’s been out here training very hard with some of the best guys. And Kenny is with his guys at his camp training hard at his camp. Both are doing whatever it takes to win. I truly think it will be hard for Florian to win this fight, unless he cuts B.J. with one of his sharp elbows. If B.J. can stay in shape and keep to [the] game plan, [he’ll win]. Kudos to both, and I can’t wait to watch. It should be exciting to watch.

B.J. and Kenny are both really tough guys. Can’t call this one.

B.J. -- decision.

I got B.J. I like Kenny a lot, but all B.J. in this one.

B.J. is a beast and will bully “KenFlo” early, but I see Florian getting the judges’ nod after five B.J.-tiring rounds.

I think Kenny shocks the world and wins a unanimous decision.

All in all, I think if B.J. is serious and in shape he wins. This is going to be very fun to watch.

Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com

According to the pros, Kenny
Florian won't have much to
smile about at UFC 101 vs. Penn.

B.J., I think, will be too much for Florian. I think B.J. is better across the board than Florian. Maybe Florian’s cardio is better, but I think B.J. will control the pace.

I have to go with Penn on this fight. As improved as Kenny is, I think B.J. is the more well-rounded fighter. Both fighters are true warriors. Kenny is one of the most improved guys in the game, but B.J.’s experience in big fights will be the deciding factor in this match.

B.J. Penn by decision.

B.J. by second-round TKO or submission. Nothing against “KenFlo.” It’s just that I think Penn is too experienced, explosive and mean for Florian to remain competitive in this bout.

B.J. by whatever he wants. Don’t see this fight lasting long. An in-shape and motivated B.J. Penn at 155 pounds is unbeatable.

B.J. by decision.

I was at B.J.’s camp for a few days, so I would rather not pick a winner. It would not seem right.

Man, B.J. is angry and has a lot to prove. With that comes a lot of pressure. Kenny Florian has proven to be money come fight time in his last few fights. He is able to perform at his very, very best under the lights. I could see the pressure getting to Penn, him trying to over-perform and Florian taking this one. It’s gonna be an exciting fight.

While Kenny Florian has quickly become one of my favorites to watch, I just can’t pick against an in-shape B.J. Penn. I’m probably the only person to have not seen the video of Penn jumping out of the pool, but I sure did hear about it enough. I see this fight being back and forth for most of three rounds, and then B.J. gets his hand raised.

Penn.

B.J. Penn all the way. The only way Florian will win is on points, and I don’t really see that happening, either. Penn to win via TKO in the third round.

Penn can dominate the ground all around and looks to have heavier hands. This doesn’t mean I think he will sub Ken or knock him out, but it can win Penn a decision. Ken can be elusive and has the kicking game in his favor, not to mention the box cutters stored in his elbows. Look for Ken to wear B.J. down with leg kicks and slice his face up with freshly sharpened X-acto Knives. It’s up in the air.

I hate to say this, but Kenny takes this one.

B.J. should win this. Florian has improved dramatically and has been impressive, but B.J. is on another level at 155 pounds. I have a feeling he will be hungry after a loss and will win convincingly

B.J. has to win. He has to prove he’s the man at 155 pounds. He has to dig deep and show what he’s made of. B.J. [wins] within three [rounds]. I believe the last fight gave him a gut check, and now he has to return to his dominant self.

B.J Penn -- unanimous decision

I was a big fan of B.J. before, but not anymore since the stupid controversy with GSP. All my heart is with Kenny. I saw him training with us at Zahabi MMA. He is ready. I see Kenny by split decision.

I am going with my man Kenny. He is the most underrated fighter in the UFC.

It’s hard to bet against B.J. at 155. I will say a great fight with B.J. getting the nod after five rounds. “KenFlo,” I think, is the second best at 155. I see it making for a great rematch, as well.

I have B.J. Penn in this one. I have a lot of respect for Florian; I just think BJ will beat him in the stand-up game. B.J. has to come in great shape, though.

I like B.J. in this fight, unless it goes into later rounds. That’s always been his crutch, and Kenny is always in great shape.