UFC: BJ Penn retires after being defeated by Frankie Edgar in Las Vegas
Monday 7 July 2014 17:09, UK
BJ Penn’s legendary career ended with lacklustre defeat as the ageing icon retired after having no answer to Frankie Edgar en route to a merciful stoppage in Las Vegas on Sunday night.
The Hawaiian was a pale imitation of his former self, offering no offence in 14 minutes before the referee stepped in to save him from any further damage.
Such was Penn’s decline since his heyday that UFC President Dana White could be seen leaving his ringside side midway through the TUF 19 Finale contest.
Penn confirmed his retirement in his post-fight interview after his third career defeat to Edgar.
End of the line
An eerie silence covered the Mandalay Bay Resort when it became quickly apparent that Penn, a pioneer of smaller weight classes in MMA and one of only two fighters to hold titles in two divisions, was unable to compete.
The 35-year-old, who hadn’t fought since December 2012, stood peculiarly tall which enabled the quicker Edgar to secure an early takedown. From there Edgar was content to spend the first round on top with Penn unusually defensive from his back.
The second and third rounds mirrored the first and Edgar increased the volume of his elbows and punches from top position before the referee called time with 44 seconds remaining of the middle period.
For the 32-year-old victor it represented an impressive way to return to championship contention but the mood was mellow after an anticlimactic showing from Penn who was tearful upon his entrance.
Penn retires with a 16-10-2 record but is regarded as the greatest fighter ever in the smaller weight classes which he pioneered, winning lightweight and welterweight championships.
