BJ PENN

ATTRIBUTES

OFFENSIVE SKILLS

DEFENSIVE SKILLS

ULTIMATE TECHNIQUES

DUCKING LEFT/RIGHT HOOK

Level 2—Both Standing, Striking Range

BJ Penn packs serious power in his punches, and these ducking left hooks are great ways to land hard strikes while remaining elusive in the stand-up.

DIRECT CATCH TO STANDING REAR NAKED CHOKE

Level 2—Back Clinch, Offense

“The Prodigy” is an elite-level jiu-jitsu black belt, capable of applying a tight rear naked choke from the Back Clinch position. Lock in this choke to surprise opponents with unexpected and dangerous subs.

DIRECT CATCH TO  TRIANGLE CHOKE

Level 2—Open Guard Clinch, Bottom

It’s almost worth giving up the takedown with Penn so that you can try locking in this dangerous triangle from the bottom. Pull guard in the clinch to quickly attain this position and go for this sub

STRENGTHS

• Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt

• Boxing

• Champion experience

“The Prodigy,” BJ Penn, is a legendary MMA warrior who has fought and captured titles in fighting tournaments and organizations all over the world.

His renowned and deadly ground game allows him to pressure his opponents with his strong boxing on the feet—even if they score the short takedown, Penn can quickly lock in lethal submissions such as triangles off his back.

Use his speed and powerful striking ability to land his heavy hands as often as you can.

Look for submissions whenever the opponent takes you down, and try utilizing the Back Clinch position with him so you can access his lethal array of chokes from behind.

“The Prodigy” has an overwhelming ground game—bring his opponents to the floor with takedowns or clinch throws, then work toward dominant position and unleash some heavy ground-and-pound, or lock in one of his excellent submissions from the top.

WEAKNESSES

• Cardio

• Kicks

• Takedowns

BJ Penn is a dangerous fighter with a strong and well-rounded skill set, but his cardio has been known to be his Achilles heel.

Be defensive when fighting him and try to keep the fight standing by outmaneuvering him on the feet and landing hard leg and body kicks from the outside.

“The Prodigy” isn’t a very strong kicker himself, so drawing him into an elusive kickboxing battle with a balanced mix of quick strikes and long kicks can give him grief on the feet.

Attack his body relent-lessly to increase your landing percentage and wear away at his lackluster stamina.

After a long first round of body kicks and sharp straights to the face, he won’t be very thrilled about getting off the stool for round 2.

Pour on the pressure as his gas tank begins to fade and throw more aggressive combos, but remain cautious against his powerful ground game and always be ready to defend against his takedowns.