Penn Confirms My Theory on UFC 99; Plans to Delay St. Pierre/Alves Fight

[bleSs]

BJ Penn was interviewed by KGMB 9, a local TV station in Hawaii, and someone over at the UG provided a summary. I still can't figure out how to link threads there, but here is the important part:

On Kenny Florian:
-He was offered to fight him in Germany as the main event.
-He says that he fought Stevenson in England and Nobody buys the PPVs when their overseas. Said he didnt get paid nearly as much as he does when he fights in the states because of the PPV cut and says he will never fight overseas again.

This is a serious problem for the UFC. I've heard other big stars including Chuck have turned down overseas fights for similar reasons.

There is other big news in the interview, including the fact that BJ is hoping to freeze GSP's career pending the hearing and a possible appeal. They apparently plan to delay the Thiago Alves fight, but first they'd have to get the commission to suspend GSP pending an outcome in the investigation. I find this completely unlikely for a number of reasons, but we'll find out more on Tuesday.

Source-http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2009/3/15/797832/bj-penn-confirms-my-theory

[JT42]

I had always wondered about the overseas PPV cut as well. Could be why Couture was in no rush to return as well. I have no idea how many fighters have PPV cuts in their contracts though so not sure how many this problem would affect. I would assume many of the top guys would have something along those lines though so main events could get harder and harder to book.

As far as freezing GSP's career, I think that is a terrible idea if they really try to do that. It would bring the anger of the UFC and all of the fans. Penn could quickly go from one of the most loved fighters to THE most hated! I really dont see how it would benefit Penn at all to have them restrict GSP from fighting either. Even if the fight becomes a no contest how will that affect future fights? It wont, so why would he be suspended?

[Kingofkings]

Wow....I am a BJ fan, but he is really pushing this out past the limit. It was one thing to file the complaint about greasing, because obvisouly they greased GSP in the corner. But to try and put a freeze on his career is going alittle far. This whole situation has cost BJ a lot of fans, and it seems he isn't worried about losing the ones that remain.

[Aaron]

the longer they delay the alves fight....the longer penn is going to have to wait for this fantasy rematch that is never going to happen....which just means he'll have to defend his belt....which means he'll have to train...which he doesn't like to do...

[Kingofkings]

I certainly hope the UFC doesn't do another Penn/GSP fight. Whatever comes out of the appeal happens, and both fighters should move on.

But what actually could happen with the complaint filed to the Nevada state athletic commision? Suspension? DQ with that fights results?

[Aaron]

I certainly hope the UFC doesn't do another Penn/GSP fight. Whatever comes out of the appeal happens, and both fighters should move on.

But what actually could happen with the complaint filed to the Nevada state athletic commision? Suspension? DQ with that fights results?

penn is pushing for a NC i believe....but thats just one of the outrageous demands he's asking for...along w/ supervised showers

[MilesHackett]

Honestly, I'm a BJ Penn fan, but these days he's giving me more and more reason to despise his personality.