RealGM

http://www.cagepotato.com/hughes-penn-iii-works-ufc-123

Retiring? Lulz.

Hope this is true. Its funny because I saw this potential matchup posed on a message board a few months ago and the overwhelming response was that people didn't want to see this fight because Hughes has nothing for B.J. anymore.

Now I'm not saying he does or he doesn't, but I doubt the perception of that fight remains the same after the events of the last few months.

I'd put my money on Matt Hughes.

I'm not interested in this match right now for a few reasons. If Hughes loses, it'll stop his momentum and probably end his run for a final title shot. If Penn loses, he'd basically be finished for a while. He'd most likely take a considerable amount of time away from MMA. A win for Hughes, though, probably gets him one step closer to a #1 contender match, but a win against another top fighter in his division would have the same effect. A win for Penn wouldn't do much to propel him back to the top of his division. I'd like to see this match eventually, I just don't think the timing is right since the detriment of the loss to the loser's career would far outweigh the benefit to the winner's career.

If it were to happen, I'd take Hughes. The difference being in the two fighters' mental states right now. BJ's lack of focus would be too much of a disadvantage matched up against Hughes' determination for one last run.

Edit: It looks like it's official: http://www.mmafighting.com/2010/09/13/m ... -michigan/

This fight makes a ton of sense to me and I can't wait to see it. Hughes may not be a title contender anymore, but he is very good. The UFC had not known what to do with him til now. Hughes/Penn 3 should be a great fight and a real crossroads for both guys.

Eh, I'd much rather see Penn fight Gomi, I don't see how this gets him any closer to either the LW or WW title.. It will still be interesting for the reasons Cammo stated but not the best option for each going forward.

I don't particularly want to see the fight, but could understand why it could happen. It would be a huge fight I think, could be used as a main event on a "down card" or make a huge card (with a title fight or two) massive. Potential for it being the 3rd fight on the end of year card?

I'd still like Penn to fight contenders at 155 and get his belt back (I do truely believe he can beat Edgar quite handily, despite the past 2 fights) and I'd still like Hughes to make a push against the new breed of 170's.

I do think this fight will put one of the two out to the pastures if it happens.

As weird as it sounds to say, Hughes is just a slowed down version of most of the contenders at 155. He's a good test of Penn's skills and dedication.

He needs to get Penn to the floor. He'll never be able to hang with Penn on the feet, dedicated Penn or not. Have we seen Hughes GnP recently?