Leading up to UFC 137 has been nothing short of a drama filled roller coaster ride.
But former UFC champion BJ Penn isn’t the slightest bit distracted by all the events that have occurred leading up to his main-event bout with Nick Diaz.
In the UFC 137: Media Conference Call, Penn addressed the drama.
“There just an everyday part of the business,” he said. “There’s so many changes and so many different roller coaster rides. At the end of the day this is a job.”
One of the overpopulated distractions that Penn has been dealing with is whether or not their main event showdown would be three or five rounds.
In regards to the length of their fight, Penn said, “I’m happy to do a five-round fight. I’ve done five-round fights many times in my career, many times in the UFC.”
“If Dana wants a five-round fight he can give me a call and we can put it together right now.”
Many feel that changing the length of the bout on such short notice could ultimately affect the outcome of the fight.
But, Penn isn’t phased by it all. “None of it bothers me at all,” he said. “I’ve been training for a fight, I’m ready for a fight. I’m sure a bunch of us [fighters] could jump into a ring or cage anywhere in the world and go five rounds.”
While Penn was busy answering the media’s questions and concerns leading up to his fight in Las Vegas on October 29, Nick Diaz was nowhere to be found.
Penn was later asked what he thought of Diaz blowing off yet another mandatory press conference.
Penn replied with, “Nick is nick. He’s going to do what he does. I enjoy watching the stuff Nick Diaz does. He doesn’t change, he’s always himself. He always shows up for the fight and fights. So I don’t think we have to worry about that.”
As Diaz is one of the greatest boxers in the history of mixed martial arts, Penn was asked what advantages he felt he had over Diaz, and what advantages Diaz had as well.
“I’ve never really changed much throughout my career,” he said. “I just try to come in and fight my best. As far Nick goes, I really feel Nick is the best boxer in MMA today.
“He can stand up with anyone. We’re kind of similar, hes got striking and jiu-jitsu and that’s two of my strengths.”
Penn went on to add, “It’s going to be a great fight for the fans.”
Fans have begun to wonder what will be next for Penn, one of the best mixed martial artists of all time, following his fight at UFC 137.
He was asked if a win over Diaz put him next in line for a title shot against the winner or Georges St-Pierre versus Carlos Condit?
Penn addressed the possibility of receiving another title shot in the future as he said, “I don’t want to speak too soon. I’d love to get another title before I step out of the game.
“If Dana feels that I’m impressive in my next fight and he wants to grab me that opportunity, I’d be very gracious.”
Win, lose or draw, Penn will go down as one of the greatest and most respected fighters in MMA history.
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