MMA News Forums - Exclusive: Penn Camp Says GSP Rematch Unlikely Until Early 2009

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Exclusive: Penn Camp Says GSP Rematch Unlikely Until Early 2009

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By Chris Howie
August 18th, 2008

It has been rumored for quite some now that BJ Penn's next fight would see him move in weight up to 170lbs to face UFC Weltweight Champion Georges St. Pierre in a rematch of their UFC 58 fight, but only this time it would be for a title and five rounds instead of three. The rumored date for the match up was at the UFC's New Year's Eve show scheduled for December 27th but things now have appeared to change.

Earlier today Michael Moody of MMANews.com spoke with BJ's brother, JD Penn, and he confirmed to us that although BJ is back in the gym and looking for a fight in December, nothing is official at this time and the fight with St. Pierre will likely be pushed back until February 2009 when the UFC holds it's Superbowl Weekend card.

This news comes hot of the heels of St. Pierre stating that he wished to take some time off and not fight again until 2009. St. Pierre has fought 4 times in the last thirteen months, most recently defending the welterweight title against Jon Fitch at UFC 87.

If the rematch between Penn and St. Pierre is pushed back until February it is highly unlikely that Penn would fight on the December card but there is a lightweight title defense against Kenny Florian looming so maybe it is possible he fights in December and February but again, that is a highly unlikely scenario.

Thats better.

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I would say it may be possible if both fights were at 155, but not since he has to move up to 170 to fight GSP. Even if BJ defended against Kenny in December (the end of December mind you) taking zero damage, he'd then have to pack on the weight and get to training to fight someone like GSP...I'd say the chances of that zero.

Either way, I don't have a problem waiting a little longer for BJ/GSP, especially with all these other rumors for the NYE event.

i cant see BJ fighting two that close together, i guess we have to wait a bit longer

I'd be surprised if he did but you never know

Why RUSH it? Unless BJ is itching for another loss.....

bummer.

why would BJ be in the gym already looking for a fight in December if he knows he'll probably be fighting GSP in Feb?.... maybe he will fight on both cards and then take a couple months off

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Originally Posted by He-Man (Post 529049)

Why RUSH it? Unless BJ is itching for another loss.....

I guess GSP isn't in a RUSH for another stay at the hospital.

They could have Florian/penn at 91 they only have 1 fight right now with wandy/rampage and it isnt confirmed so that could make it a great card. They could have the rumored Liddell/anderson fight on 12/27 and have GSP/BJ in february.

Kenny is pretty good but the fight wouldn't last any longer than the Sherk fight and BJ would be ready by Feb IMO.

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Originally Posted by Severn (Post 529055)

I guess GSP isn't in a RUSH for another stay at the hospital.

That can happen to anyone, period.
One of the all time best boxers ever was knocked out in his prime by a no name, Mike Tyson via Buster Douglas. Point made have a nice day......