Although most people appear to be giving Frankie Edgar more of a chance against lightweight champ BJ Penn, than that which was afforded Dan Hardy before he faced GSP (betting on the sun rising almost had the same odds), clearly the talented wrestler is a huge underdog heading into Saturday’s bout. After all, Penn has cruised through Sean Sherk, Kenny Florian and most recently Diego Sanchez in his current run as lightweight champ. Not bad.
For years now Penn has had heavy hands and ridiculously good ground game, but what’s been most impressive about his recent performances is his conditioning, something which used to be his biggest question mark (this continues to be an issue for many here at Fix, particularly due to an office tradition of eating donuts between breakfast and brunch). Speaking to MMA Junkie about Saturday’s title fight, Edgar commented on Penn’s abilities, and specifically the champion’s improved conditioning.
“I think [Penn] would say in the past that it was his conditioning was his biggest hole but the last couple of fights, he’s seemed to address that,” Edgar said. “So I don’t know if he has any big holes.”
We agree. So does this mean Penn is a lock to win? Not necessarily. Penn’s the favorite, and rightfully a heavy one in most people’s minds, but Edgar is a guy that has damn fast hands, amazing wrestling and conditioning; a dangerous combo for anyone to deal with no? Tomorrow’s going to be sweet.
To bet on the bout head here.