UFC 137: Reasons Why Nick Diaz Should Upset BJ Penn

The fight between Nick Diaz and BJ Penn at UFC 137 on October 29th should be an absolute war, but there are several reasons why Diaz has a major advantage in this fight.  Dana White has always had a short leash with him and if he does not put on a quality performance, it will be back to being in the dog house and being there does not allow any fighter to make good money. There is simply no way that he will let the opportunity to knock off a legend pass him by.

Penn has lost two of last three fights, twice being to Frankie Edgar and in those losses, he has lost some of the aura surrounding his dominance as a fighter.  Other fighters respect him, but they don’t fear him any longer.   He still has one of the best ground games in the world, but I think Diaz would love to stand and trade blows with him.  While “Baby Jay” may be quicker, a four inch reach differential is quite a bit to have compensate for and he will be consistently hit throughout this fight.  Without, Dana White offering Penn a guaranteed title shot if he wins the fight, he will not be that motivated.

For UFC fans, time after time it has been frustrating to watch “Baby Jay” fight without a lack of motivation.  Even though, he has always had a warrior’s spirit in the octagon,  it has never been good enough for him to just dislike a fighter.  Do not be surprised if conditioning is a factor for him in this fight; however, Diaz has always had a tremendous work ethic and stays in terrific shape.

Penn is on the outskirts of his prime at 32, while Diaz is entering his prime at 28.  Something will have to give in this war of attrition at UFC 137, but I think the hungrier and more motivated fighter in this contest is clearly Nick Diaz.  Although, he has been dying for a boxing match, this is his opportunity to win and defeat a legend, which will put him back in the good graces of the UFC boss.