After years of being invincible in the UFC's lightweight division, BJ Penn had established himself as a true legend of mixed martial arts, earning the moniker of best lightweight in the sport's history. When Penn lost his title to unheralded challenger Frankie Edgar in a controversial decision at UFC 112 in Abu Dhabi, many observers didn't buy it.
Some reporters, including this one, called it a fluke.
Saturday at UFC 118, Edgar cemented his own greatness as he delivered a pristine performance against the former champion. Edgar outboxed, outwrestled and outworked Penn over five rounds, breaking his will and leaving no doubt about his superiority.
In the words of Penn, Edgar's camp didn't have much to work with. They didn't have the knockout or submission king. All they had was Edgar. However, that's all it took for "The Answer." He made the legendary Penn seem average.
"(Edgar) absolutely dominated BJ Penn everywhere in the octagon tonight," UFC president Dana White said at the postfight press conference. "Nobody is doubting Frankie Edgar now. What does this kid need to do to get his respect?"
Edgar believed in himself, but this fight had a lot more to do with getting the world to gain confidence in him.
"I think it was more important for you guys than it is for me," Edgar said to a room full of media. "At
least it'll get you guys off my back now."
Always modest even in triumph, Edgar elaborated on his performance against the great Hawaiian.
"I definitely wanted to make it decisive so there were no questions," he said. “I just felt I put more pressure on, was able to finish some takedowns and stay on top for longer periods of time and I felt I was able to step in on my strikes more."
The New Jersey native, who was cornered by longtime coach Ricardo Almeida, improves to 13-1 with the victory. Although no timetable is set, Edgar will have an opportunity to avenge his lone career defeat in April 2008 against rugged Xtreme Couture wrestler Gray Maynard. Maynard beat Kenny Florian by decision to earn a title shot earlier on the card.
"Edgar did a great job," said Maynard, who is unbeaten in 11 bouts. "I want that belt!"
When asked about what the future had in store for the lightweight icon Penn, White said he wasn't sure.
Edgar appeared to be more comfortable after already spending 25 minutes in the octagon with Penn. He had an answer for everything Penn threw his way. Edgar was more aggressive in mixing up his strikes and takedowns to ensure he won every round.
There is no viable excuse for "The Prodigy" after his loss Saturday night. He claimed to be motivated and his training camp for the bout was well executed. He even brought in specific fighters to enhance his game, including Bibiano Fernandes and Vitor Belfort.
A single loss does not tarnish a legacy. That being said, Penn is the ultimate self-promoter. If anyone believes in his abilities, it's him. Prior to Edgar, few could discredit Penn for trash talk because he delivered every time, violently smashing Joe Stevenson, Sean Sherk, Florian and Diego Sanchez.
Now humbled, Penn could be losing confidence in himself and his fans may follow suit. Until now, there was no reason to doubt him. With two straight wins over Penn, Edgar clearly his number.
Heavily booed on his way out, Edgar became a fan favorite based on his performance. As the fight progressed, chants of "Frankie" echoed through the TD Garden. At UFC 118, the Penn's legacy took a major hit, but a new star was born.
