Rory Macdonald vs B.J. Penn

by Dr. Octagon, J.D.

B.J. Penn is the more experienced fighter, but Rory MacDonald is younger, stronger, bigger, and in better shape. I’m rooting for B.J., but I expect Rory to win. B.J. should really be fighting down a weight class, and Rory could easily fight up a weight class. Live updates after the jump:[[MORE]]

Round 1: B.J. grabs the single, lets it go, and Rory pushes him against the cage. B.J. pressuring Rory, but Rory pushes him against the cage again. B.J. working punches from against the cage. Rory lands a punch on the break. Rory wants to stand and box. B.J. is coming forward. Big leg kick by Rory. High kick by Rory. B.J. lands a right and eats a kick. B.J. lands a right. Rory lands a leg kick. B.J. with a right hook. B.J. lands two jabs. Rory with a kick to the body. B.J. with a left.

B.J. with a left and works the takedown, but Rory pops up, down again, then pops up once more. B.J. working the trip and punching. Rory spins him around and lands an elbow. Rory lands a jab. Rory kicks and misses. B.J. lands a left jab. Rory lands a big bodyshot. B.J. lands a left hand. Rory shoots for the single and B.J. stuffs it. Rory kicks. Rory lands a big left and B.J. is hurt. B.J. is looking at the clock . B.J. lands a left hook, but he’s wobbling badly. Rory lands a vicious right elbow. B.J. looks like he’s gassed already as he eats a left hand. B.J. looks exhausted. Not a good start for him.

10-9 Rory MacDonald.

Round 2: Rory lands a left leg kick. B.J. is chasing Rory. The fighters exchange, but Rory is landing the jab. Rory has a big reach advantage and is teeing off on the tired Penn against the cage. Rory landing the jab. B.J. lands a big right hand, but Rory walks through it. Rory lands a big kick. Tons of head kicks by Rory. B.J. is not attacking, referee Herb Dean needs to stop this fight. B.J. is in pain. He’s just covering up and getting beaten badly. This is bad.

B.J. is not doing anything. B.J. finally throws a right. Rory is still coming forward. B.J. lands a right. Rory still snapping the jab.  Rory shoots and gets the takedown on the tired Penn, who typically has great balance. 25 seconds left. B.J. seems content to land ear slaps from his back.

Round 3: The doctor looks at B.J.’s eye and lets him continue. B.J. swarms and grabs a hold of Rory. B.J. is working for the single leg takedown, but he’s tired and Rory is really strong. Rory grabs a hold of B.J. and pushes him against the cage. The ref tells them to work. B.J. looks totally spent. The ref pulls them off the fence. B.J. lands a left hook. Rory throws a head kick and falls. MacDonald lands a jab. The fighters clinch. Rory pushes Penn against the cage. Rory lands an elbow, then two punches. Rory lands a superman punch.

Rory goes for a takedown and lands an elbow. He puts his hands down. Rory grabs B.J. and pushes him against the cage. Herb Dean breaks them up. B.J. lands a left jab. Rory lands a head kick. Rory lands a kick. Rory lands a huge left hook. Rory lands a few more punches. This is fight is completely one-sided. MacDonald lands another punch and kick. B.J. is coming forward, but not doing anything.

I’ve got this one 30-26 Rory MacDonald. Expect B.J. to retire in the ring for a second time in a row. Rory asks for Carlos Condit.

Judges score it 30-26 (twice) and 30-27 for Rory MacDonald.