Penn vs Edgar 3: MMA’s trilogy that doesn’t need to happen

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Ever sit through a movie that was so good that as soon as credits rolled, you and your friends were like  “dude let’s buy sequel tickets NOW!” There have been a few in that category I can think of: Godfather 1&2 lead the pack, maybe sprinkle in some Dark Knight and we are good to go. Screen fades to black on the sequel and you are left satisfied, nothing left to say, we are good and this book is closed. Years later, you start hearing murmurings about the third entry and how Michael Corleone goes to war with the Catholic church and his nephew is banging his daughter, it’s all steaming pile of monkey crap and has tarnished the two movies as they were when brought in discussion merely by association.

Last week it was announced that former UFC lightweight champions, Frankie Edgar and BJ Penn would be coaching against each other in the nineteenth season of The Ultimate Fighter, culminating with a featherweight matchup between the two. Let that sink in… BJ Penn will be fighting Frankie Edgar at a weight he has never competed at, against a man who has beat him decisively already (twice) and looks so much better at 145 than he did at 155.

So many things are un-appealing about this marquee feature, mainly is the trilogy angle. Why are we investing an entire season of a tired reality show, with two guys who really have no storyline, to help push a third meeting between them? It’s almost as unnecessary as Ortiz-Shamrock III, but even that bout made some sense given the quick stoppage of the second meeting. Coaching TUF needs to be less of a rivalry, whether honest or forced, and about bringing in fighters who have a desire and insight to help propel these fighters in their careers.

BJ Penn is a phenomenal fighter, no question; Frankie Edgar is just as phenomenal with a ton of heart. Those accolades aside, what do they look to get out of this experience? “The Prodigy” has looked slow and almost vacant in his last few outings. Really since the draw with Jon Fitch in Feb 2011. Being beaten bloody by Nick Diaz and Rory MacDonald, the Hawaiian native hung the gloves up and everyone, including Dana White supported the decision with no ill feelings, but praise for what he accomplished and felt like it was time for the curtains to close. How is he going to take and make the cut to 145? Will he implement a steady dietary change and cardio improvement to be able to peak and match (attempt to match Edgar’s pace)? Or will he cut a crazy amount fight week and gas in the opening round?

Edgar has always put on a stellar show every outing, and since losing the UFC lightweight gold, he has lost narrow decisions in an attempt for reclaim the 155 belt against Benson Henderson, and Jose Aldo for the 145lb strap. Dominating against Charles Oliveira this past July, he is focused on becoming champion again and proving that he is one of the best pound for pound in the game today. His speed, power and overall game has improved with the new division and he is going to out-perform and possibly stop Penn in this third meeting.

Looking at the strengths of both men, who holds the upper hand and where? Cardio and speed is going to land on Edgar’s side of the cage; his technical boxing will outclass Penn and peppering him will soften him up to either a TKO win or unanimous decision. In the sense of knockout power, Penn needs to be given the advantage with heavier hands, but he will have problems trying to catch Edgar the entire time. Wrestling will again side with “The Answer” who will shoot in on BJ and ideally get him down and impose his will, unless Penn can find an opening for a submission. The best time to lock in something will be the opening round when they are still dry and Edgar won’t be able to maneuver out as easy.

When the trailer better known as TUF 19 comes to an end and this finale debuts in the octagon in summer of 2014, we will have to see if this fizzles out as a dud or will this be one of the best battles between two of MMA’s best fighters. This fight has viewing power but should in no way be a pay per view main event that people will be asked to pay for. A rubber match that is proceeded by two decision fights is not appealing to me and definitely not to the average fan.