Saturday, 2 April 2011

Anthony Johnson vs BJ Penn? 'Rumble' would take that fight ... for a price

Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Anthony Johnson may not have won himself a lot of fans with his unanimous decision grapple-heavy victory over Dan Hardy at UFC Fight Night 24 on March 26 but there's no doubt he showed the kind of skill-set one needs to compete at the higher level of the sport.
But how high does that go? As high as a match-up against former welterweight champion B.J. Penn?
"The Prodigy" is still without a date for July 2 in Las Vegas after Jon Fitch was forced to pull out of their scheduled rematch due to reported issues with his shoulder. Johnson tells MMA Die Hards he would accept the fight if it was offered -- but for a price:
"Hell, if I fight B.J. they're for sure going to have to renegotiate my contract. If the opportunity was presented, would I take a fight like that? Yeah. I don't say no to fights and I like to fight, if I'm winning or not, I still like to fight. So yeah, I would take that fight. I feel like at this point I have no choice but to be ready."
 Would "Rumble" -- a strong wrestler with dynamite in his hands -- be worth a re-negotiation and a big step up to fight Penn -- an outstanding boxer with an iron chin and incredible takedown defense?
Sounds like an intriguing match-up at the least. But is there any real chance the UFC would put it together? Or is that grudge match against John Howard just too appealing to pass up?

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