Issue 119
September 2014
All the head-turning information every MMA fan needs to know
Tributes pour in for now retired former UFC champ BJ Penn
BJ Penn’s iconic fighting career is over. The former two-weight UFC champion announced his retirement from the sport in July, amid a flood of tributes from fellow fighters.
Penn’s storybook career swan song failed to materialize at The Ultimate Fighter 19 Finale, as Frankie Edgar punished the Hawaiian for a third time. If Father Time finally caught up with Penn in Las Vegas – Edgar was his tag team partner.
Post fight, Penn confirmed his exit from MMA and attempted to explain his decision to return. “This is the end,” he confirmed. “I’m thinking to myself, ‘Why did you step back into that Octagon after the beating Rory MacDonald gave you?’ The reason is because I really needed to find out.
“If I didn’t make this night happen for myself, I’d have always wondered and went back and forth and begged Dana (White) to let me get back in. I guess I just needed some closure.”
The UFC president added: “He’s one of two people who’s won two titles in two different weight classes, he built the 155lb division, he’s a legend, he helped build the UFC and the list goes on and on of what BJ Penn has done.
“I’ve said this a million times, he’s got a beautiful wife, he’s got beautiful kids, he’s got a great family, he owns a UFC BJ Penn Gym in Hawaii. What more do you want, BJ? There’s nothing left to prove.”
Another former UFC favorite, Frank Trigg, commented: “The last of my era has retired. BJ Penn will always have my respect and admiration. A true Hawaii warrior.”
Joe Lauzon said: “Depression has set in. Still proud of my brother BJ Penn.” While former lightweight champ Benson Henderson tweeted: “Greatest lightweight of all time = BJ Penn. Respect.”
FO SCORE: BJ Penn’s 16-10-2 career record doesn’t leave the lasting impression his achievements deserve but make no mistake, at his peak, he was the greatest lightweight ever.
31
Number of years new Bellator chief Scott Coker has been involved in promoting combat sports.
2
Gym Rescue, a reality show where MMA greats Randy Couture and Frank Shamrock help turn around failing MMA gyms, is due to hit screens this August – two years after it was first announced.
What's Hot
KIMBO SLICE?
Got offered a contract by Bellator
CO-PROMOTION
Apparently Spike TV is behind the idea for Bellator, and MFC and RFA want to battle it out between themselves
MEXICO
With the first TUF: Latin America recorded, are we about to see an MMA boom in the boxing-mad nation?
What's Not
BELLATOR TOURNAMENTS
Viacom threw Bjorn Rebney’s baby out with his bath water
MIXED MARTIAL ARTS JUDGES
There are always a few who spoil it for the rest
BELFORT+SILVA+SONNEN
One of MMA’s.best love triangles ruined by drugs
Timeline: Bellator MMA
Following Scott Coker becoming Bellator’s new boss, we chart the company’s story so far
2008
After securing “tens of millions” in funding, Bellator is founded by CEO Bjorn Rebney.
2011
US media giant Viacom buys a majority stake in Bellator, cueing up a US TV deal with former UFC broadcaster Spike.
2012
Signs ‘King Mo’ Lawal after he’s released by Strikeforce for offensive tweets about a member of the Nevada commission.
January 2013
Engages in an ugly legal battle with former 155lb champ Eddie Alvarez over his contract rights.
June 2013
Announces a multi-year deal with ex UFC champ ‘Rampage’ Jackson.
July 2013
Signs previously retired UFC Hall of Famer Tito Ortiz.
May 2014
Reportedly pulls in 100,000 buys for its first-ever pay-per-view, headlined by ‘Rampage’ Jackson and ‘King Mo’.
June 2014
CEO Bjorn Rebney is replaced by former Strikeforce president Scott Coker.
