BJ Penn Retires After Loss to Nick Diaz

Amazing, this is the under billing that would have fit perfect for tonight’s card from the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Despite a disappointing heavyweight tilt between Kongo and Mitrione, the main event salvaged any disdain from fans in attendance and the millions watching around the globe.

Nick Diaz put on a performance and fight that defines careers. Being troubled in the first round by BJ Penn with technical striking and overall octagon control, round two started with them needing to be held back by referee Josh Rosenthal and then Mr. 209 taking the fight to “The Prodigy” and never relenting.

Peppering shots that continued to go from head to body slowly showed in the visual and cardio aspect of Penn’s fight. Round three could not stop soon enough for Penn as he was continually being hit at will by Diaz who was aggressive both physically but verbally as well, antagonizing the Hilo fighter, all the while controlling the action.

After the bout came to a halt, Diaz confronted and declared his victory to Penn’s corner and exclaimed to the fans he was the winner before Bruce Buffer could deliver a judges’ decision. In the midst of all the post fight excitement, Diaz and his team pointed out current welterweight champion (who looked less then pleased with a victorious Diaz) Georges St Pierre, whom Diaz immediately called out – “I don’t think Georges is hurt, I think he’s scared to fight me!”

Cesar Gracie and his eleven fight win streak black belt will go home to the Bay Area and get ready for whomever Joe Silva says is next in line, while the former UFC lightweight and welterweight champion, BJ Penn is flying back to his island home in what would be his last octagon appearance.

Broken, bloody and bruised, Penn said to Joe Rogan that this was the last time we would see him in the octagon; “I want to fight at the top level of competition and I’m done…not going to do this anymore and go home looking like this, I have a daughter and one on the way, they don’t need to see me like this.”

As he walked off, Rogan alluded his accomplishments and thanked him on behalf of the MMA community for everything he has done in fights and overall as an athlete, one of the best to ever fight in the UFC and the sport in general. Ideally, it is the bets decision for Penn to make, even if it appears spontaneous. Diaz was able to out strike, out wrestle and sprawl out of his ground game: neutralizing the whole gameplan Penn may have wanted to imply.

Leaving the cage as one of the most decorated and successful champions, a one time terror in the lightweight division and never afraid to voice his opinion, BJ Penn is truly one of the best and on his way to a spot within the UFC Hall of Fame alumni