BJ Penn vanquished any doubt that he is still the best lightweight fighter in the world Saturday night at UFC 101, dominating #1 contender Kenny Florian for 3 rounds before submitting him in the fourth. With the win Penn retained his lightweight title, defending it for the second time and solidifying himself as the man to beat in the division. In the co-main event Anderson Silva once again proved he can be a major threat in the light heavyweight division as he made former champ Forrest Griffin look like an amateur before knocking him out mid way through the first round. Aaron Riley, Johnny Hendricks, Ricardo Almeida and Kurt Pellegrino also recorded wins in their bouts.
Penn controlled his fight from start to finish, never letting Florian generate any real offence. Perhaps realizing that he was overmatched in the striking game and hoping to tire the Hawaiian out, Florian began tying Penn up against the fence. He was unable to mount a significant attack from the clinch however, and always paid dearly when Penn escaped, usually taking several shots straight to the chin. Penn seemed much more patient in this fight, content to take his time and not rush the fight. The champ stepped up his game in the fourth round though, landing yet another combination after they broke from the clinch before slamming Florian to the canvas. From there the former Brazilian Jui Jitsu champion moved to the mount, then secured Florian’s back. Penn didn’t let the opportunity slip away and like we’ve seen him do so many times before he secured the choke and forced Florian to tap. The win serves as some redemption for Penn after the devastating loss to Georges St. Pierre, while for Florian it was the second time he failed to capitalize on a title shot.
When Anderson Silva and Forrest Griffin stepped into the octagon there was little doubt that the fight would make it the full three rounds. After a brief feeling out process both fighters started swinging. The two exchanged blows several times before Silva rocked Griffin with a powerful left hook. Griffin would regain his composure, but another left would send him to the canvas. Silva, obviously sensing a swift victory began toying with the now dazed fighter. The middleweight champ dropped his hands, avoiding Griffin’s punches with his shifty head movement. When Griffin charged at Silva swing carelessly the Brazilian avoided his punches with ease before landing a jab that would finish the fight. Although still undefeated in the UFC, many questioned Anderson Silva’s status in the pound for pound rankings after two unimpressive victories. But with his devastating win over Griffin it’s safe to say Silva has effectively redeemed himself.
Aaron Riley avenged a loss to Shane Nelson in their rematch which was scheduled after a questionable stoppage in their last fight. Nelson seemed overmatched and out muscled throughout the fight and would lose a unanimous decision. Amir Sadollah finally made his return to the octagon, but it would be short lived. In what could be considered another questionable stoppage, Sodollah fell to the canvas after receiving several uppercuts from Johnny Hendricks. After a few inconsequential blows the referee dove in to stop the fight. Sadollah meanwhile was in the middle of standing up under his own will and seemed surprised the fight had been ended so soon. Controversy or not the stoppage meant a win for Hendricks in is UFC debut. Ricardo Almieda and Kurt Pellegrino also received victories over Kendall Grove and Josh Neer. Both executed effective ground and pound, winning by unanimous decision.
