BJ Penn VS Georges St Pierre...Again

One of the most anticipated rematches of the MMA world is set to explode in Las Vegas on January 31, 2009. In UFC 94, Lightweight Champion "The Prodigy" BJ Penn will cross weight classes to face the current Welterweight champion, Georges "Rush " St Pierre. If successful, Penn will become the first UFC champion to hold two titles at the same time.

St Pierre defended his title in a five-round slugfest against Jon Fitch on August 9, 2008, winning by unanimous decision. He claimed the title from Matt Serra in Montreal, Quebec, Canada -St Pierre's hometown- on April 19, 2008. This victory was particularly sweet, as Serra shocked the MMA world by knocking St Pierre out a year before to snatch the title.

Despite the moniker "Rush", St Pierre tends to take his time. He is a patient fighter, taking his opponent's measure while delivering strategic strikes and punishing kicks. With his long, lean build, the name "Rush" is well-earned. Once his opponent is primed, St Pierre swoops in for the finish. On the ground, St Pierre's guard has become legendary, and his submissions are admired throughout the UFC and beyond.

Penn's last three battles include wins against Sean Sherk by TKO at UFC 84 on May 24, 2008. He submitted Joe Stevenson by choke at UFC 80 on January 19, 2008. In the Ultimate Fighter Finale on June 23, 2007, he submitted MMA legend Jens Pulver also by choke. Translation: Penn is not to be taken lightly in any weight class. Penn's compact, solid frame houses a powerhouse, capable of lightening one-punch knock outs and devastating submissions. On the ground, Penn is always working, and never fails to give as good as he gets, from any position. Penn has surprised more than one opponent with unpredictable transitions and explosive striking.

When these two warriors last met in March 2008, Penn lost by a slim split decision margin, and St Pierre went on to reclaim the Welterweight title from Serra. In the upcoming rematch, one can only hope these two will take the fight all five rounds. I predict this: If the fight is short, it will go to Penn. If it goes the distance, St. Pierre should retain the title. If they stand and exchange, Pierre may get the better end of it. His patience and surgical striking style put him a slight cut above even Penn's skill. If they go to ground, there's no telling who will have the advantage. Both fighters are skilled, flexible and quick to take advantage of any opponent's slip. Neither man is known for making mistakes.

They didn't become champions by accident.

Also on Saturday's card Lyoto Machida will throw down with Thiago Silva. "American Psycho" Stephan Bonner will deal with "Bones" Jon Jones. Karo Parysian will face the "Stun Gun" Dong Hyun Kim. The unconventional "Carpenter" Clay Guida will face off with Nate Diaz and St Pierre's last opponent Jon Fitch will battle Akhiro Gono.

UFC 94 promises to be a great night of fighting. The event will air live on Pay Per View from the MGM Grand Garden Arena, in Las Vegas, Nevada on January 31^st starting 7pm PST/10pm EST. An overview of the night's events will air starting 630p PST/930p EST. Check your local stations for channel location and pricing.