Issue 036
April 2008
The lightweight division is one of the most active in the world. The UFC can boast of some truly excellent fighters on its roster in the 155lb division, while various promotions in Japan feature lightweight fighters from around the world in thrilling match-ups. Check out the cream of the crop in this at-a-glance guide to the top lightweights out there.
BJ PENN
12-4-1 Fighting out of Hilo, Hawaii
In Brief
Considered as pound for pound the best fighter in the world. Holds the UFC lightweight title. Aptly nicknamed the ‘Prodigy’.
The Good
Phenomenal jiu-jitsu, a rock-solid chin and crazy flexibility, Penn is a technician who loves to scrap.
The Bad
Precocious talent can often be a curse, and nowhere is it more evident than with Penn.
Notable Achievements
Winning the title in the UFC welterweight and lightweight divisions, fighting across the weight classes up to light heavyweight.
Must-see fight
Any of his early UFC bouts, especially his super-fast KO of Caol Uno, but also his utter dismantling of Joe Stevenson.
SEAN SHERK
31-2-1 Fighting out of Anoka, Minnesota
In Brief
The heavily-muscled former lightweight champ is known for his strength and stamina. Possibly the most fearsome physical specimen in the division.
The Good
Near unstoppable takedowns, relentless work ethic, handy striking and strong groundwork. An awesome competitor.
The Bad
Some might argue a lack of finishing ability (only two stoppages out of six UFC victories). Also the steroid scandal that saw him stripped of his title.
Notable Achievements
Nabbing the vacant lightweight title by beating Kenny Florian over five rounds. Dropping from welterweight to lightweight to make the division his own.
Must-see fight
His fight with Matt Hughes showed the world he has true championship material. His battle with Nick Diaz for evidence of his boxing skill.
GESIAS ‘JZ’ CALVANCANTI
12-4-1 Fighting out of Coconut Creek,Florida
In Brief
A hyper talented American Top Team rep who combines slick jiu-jitsu with roughhouse style striking. Always dangerous.
The Good
Big and strong for the weight category, JZ is a strong grappler but has sharp striking and some of the best training partners in the world at ATT.
The Bad
Lack of exposure in the USA. Skills-wise, hard to say. His sole loss was a decision to Joachim Hansen back in 2004.
Notable Achievements
Taking the K-1 HERO’s lightweight belt by defeating Shaolin Ribeiro and Andre Amade in the same night in just over five minutes combined.
Must-see fight
The afore-mentioned K-1 tournament victory. He makes Shaolin look average and Amade like a newbie.
KENNY FLORIAN
7-3-0 Fighting out of Westwood, Massachusetts
In Brief
A BJJ black belt who is now known for his striking, Florian made his name in the first series of TUF as a middleweight.
The Good
Razor sharp elbows and a vicious penchant for finishing fights. He has never won a fight by decision.
The Bad
He struggled against Sherk (who wouldn’t?) but impressed throughout the five rounds. Has never had his chin properly tested.
Notable Achievements
Making it through to the finals of TUF 1 a whole two weight classes higher than his natural fighting weight.
Must-see fight
His back and fore battle with Dokonjonosuke Mishima, a clinic in how to use effective leg kicks in MMA.
TAKANORI GOMI
27-3-0 Fighting out of Tokyo, Japan
In Brief
‘The Fireball Kid’ fights like his name suggests – fast, energetic and in your face. The former Pride lightweight champ.
The Good
Fast hands, good takedowns and relentless ground and pound. A decent wrestler and boxer, he has nine knockouts to his name.
The Bad
Similar to BJ Penn, can be hot or cold depending on his mood. His inconsistency is a result of his huge natural talent.
Notable Achievements
Beating Tatsuya Kawajiri, Luiz Azeredo and Hayato Sakurai over two events for the Pride lightweight title. Is also a former Shooto champ
Must-see fight
His KO victories over Jens Pulver and Luiz Azeredo are especially worth watching, as is his brutal encounter with Nick Diaz.
ROGER HUERTA
22-1-1 (1 NC) Fighting out of Minneapolis,
Minnesota
In Brief
The up and coming young fighter everyone is talking about, thanks to to his dynamic style and genuine charm. Will be eyeing a title shot in 2008.
The Good
Strong kickboxing and wrestling skills combined with an efficient if not amazing submission game. Has a tonne of heart and a true warrior attitude.
The Bad
He suffers against good wrestlers and his groundwork seems to be a weakness. At risk of being pushed too far too soon.
Notable Achievements
Appearing on the cover of Sports Illustrated certainly helped his career but he backed it up by defeating gatekeeper Clay Guida in a thrilling fight last December.
Must-see fight
The epic three round fight between him and Clay Guida, possibly one of the best of 2007.
SHINYA AOKI
11-2-0 Fighting out of Hilo, Hawaii
In Brief
Hyper-flexible and fond of brightly coloured tights, the Judo and BJJ black belt is a submission master at only 24 years old.
The Good
His application of judo in MMA is among the best out there, and his unorthodox jiu-jitsu has earned him scalps of some high level fighters.
The Bad
So far his striking has yet to be tested properly. Of his two losses, one was a decision to veteran Hayato Sakurai while the other was a KO to Jutaro Nakao.
Notable Achievements
Has held the Shooto middleweight title since February 2006.
Must-see fight
His wins over Joachim Hansen and Jason Black, two textbook displays of rubber guard (as popularised by Eddie Bravo).
