Roach says BJ will beat GSP if they strike..lol

GSP was both bigger and the better fighter.

He said something interesting in the post fight interview about how his plan was to wrestle and tie up Penn in the first 2 rounds so that the blood would go up to his shoulders and therefore Penn would lose his handspeed, and then he would take him to the ground and strike him there.

 

Freddie was right to a certain extent - but this is not just boxing. Punching range is different when kicks and takedowns are taken into account. Ranges and timing fluctuate when facing an opponent that not only strikes with longer weapons (kicks) as well as closing the distance to clinch whenever you try to unload with punches. Once the clinch is initiated - boxing advantages are nullified.

We saw it play out perfectly in the encounter between GSP and Penn tonight. Although - GSP didn't use too many kicks tonight. He worked behind a stiff jab instead. GSP unloaded a well mixed arsenal of punches, kicks, and clinches in order to dominate Penn from bell to bell.

 

Penn had no advantage anywhere, he was getting jabbed easily due to his reach, Penn didnt know what to do, it's that simple, the best thing Penn tried, is in the 3rd round to take him down. GSP just tired him out with clinch. Perfect Gameplan by a great fighter.:deal