Rory "Ares" MacDonald vs "The Prodigy" BJ Penn
Next we move on to a highly anticipated fight between the returning BJ Penn(16-8-2) and the fast rising Rory MacDonald(13-1). Originally scheduled for UFC 152, but was cancelled when Rory suffered a nasty cut over his right eye. Since then these two men have participated in a back and forth verbal showdown. Penn implied that Rory uses steroids because of the acne on his back. Rory is 23 years old. At his age his body is still aging into adulthood. Rory responded back using backhanded jabs about BJ's diet, weight, and lack of motivation. I'm not that big of a BJ Penn fan. In fact, I have rooted against him in most of his recent fights. He just rubs me the wrong way with his excuses. His fans are what really cause me to root against him. He has the most annoying fans in MMA, ever! That being said, I cannot deny how much talent he has. He may have been the most talented fighter ever to step into the octagon and because of that it has caused him severe motivation issues. Rory messed up. He should have never responded back to Penn. He should have paid no attention to BJ. Now he has given motivation to BJ Penn. Something you don't want to do. But Rory is a huge up and comer for a reason. He looks like a psychopathic killer in the octagon. His ground and pound is terrifying. Take a look at his win over Che Mills. He looked like he was bust open a coconut with his fists. He also has a win over Nate Diaz who is fighting for the title in the main event. Rory does have some weaknesses though. His striking is not as good as his grappling. Che Mills was lighting him up on the feet before Rory took him down. Carlos Condit was able to tire him out and beat him down in the final round of their fight. BJ Penn also has had major cardio problems in the past. I've heard fans call him the greatest first round fighter ever. His boxing is light years ahead of Rory, his takedown defense is extremely high, and his ground game is one of the best ever. The biggest advantages Rory has is his size, strength, and youth. He has to survive whatever BJ throws at him. Just until Penn gets tired then he can pounce on him. I think Rory is too young for Penn. Penn is the underdog and is motivated for his return. That's why I'm going with Penn by 1st round TKO or Submission.