411's LIVE UFC 80 PPV Coverage: BJ Penn vs Joe Stevenson

Posted by Michael Huckaby on 01.19.2008



LW Title: BJ Penn vs Joe Stevenson

Somewhat surprisingly, Sean Sherk joins Goldberg and Rogan for commentary. They don't mention the failed steroid test, simply stating he's "been out awhile." But they do confirm he'll face the winner of this fight.

Round 1: They tap and BJ immediately lands some strikes taking Stevenson to the ground. BJ has top control in the half guard as he looks to pass. It looked for a second like this fight would last 10 seconds but Stevenson is back under control. BJ scoots Stevenson's head into the cage, Joe momentarily gets BJ off of him but BJ hops right back down onto Stevenson against the cage. BJ takes Stevenson's back against the cage and then switches to a full mount. That doesn't last long as Joe is able to sit up against the cage as BJ tries to maintain control. BJ stands up and unloads a couple of punches before hopping back down to improve his position and get into side control. Stevenson starts to unload punches from the bottom and gets Penn back into his guard. Elbow by Penn opens a MASSIVE cut on Stevenson's forehead and there is a great deal of blood as the round comes to an end. 411mania scores it 10-9 for BJ Penn.

I can't imagine Stevenson could go long with this cut. It's right in the middle of his forehead and still bleeding as the second round starts.

Round 2: Stevenson comes out desperate and angry knowing his cut could well end this fight at any time. BJ stays calm in center position of the Octagon exchanging the occasional punch with Joe. Nice left hook by BJ Penn snaps Stevenson's head back. Left jab by Penn, who is absolutely the more technical striker right now. That big cut on Stevenson is flowing down his nose right in the middle of his head and staying out of his eyes. Two big shots by BJ Penn drop Stevenson down and BJ gets his back momentarily before moving to full mount. Stevenson is trying to buck him off but BJ switches right back over to Joe's back before getting full mount again. Stevenson is a bloody mess and trying to hold on to the torso of the attacking Penn. BJ takes his back and gets the hooks in with an arm trapped but with all of the blood who knows if he can hold anything. BJ sinks in a perfect choke on the bloody Joe Stevenson and he taps out.

Winner and NEW LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPION BJ Penn, submission (RNC), Rd2