Athletes and Fighters: A BJ Penn Fan's Hangover

As of midnight last night, BJ Penn was my favorite fighter in the world. I always loved his aggressive yet technical fighting style, his brash attitude, and willingness to take risks in his career by taking on bigger guys.

I'm still a BJ Penn fan this morning following his destruction at the hands of Georges St. Pierre, but I can't remember being more disappointed in a fighter.

I feel like I was slapped in the face for believing that BJ was prepared for this fight, ready to give Georges St. Pierre a run for his money in the UFC's welterweight division.

But BJ was actually in better shape for their original match at UFC 58 than he was last night. He insulted his incredibly loyal, passionate, and forgiving fan base by coming into the fight in such terrible shape -- especially when you take into account how much smack he talked before this bout.

The boy from Hilo called GSP a lot of things, the worst of them being 'quitter.' Now MMA fans are calling BJ a quitter for not coming out for the fifth round. But that's wrong. BJ isn't a quitter because his corner very smartly threw in the towel.

BJ quit before the fight started because he wasn't prepared.

Ahead of the event, BJ continually stressed that technique can overcome size and strength differences. He just ignored a few details. Like the fact that superb technique only goes so far when you're exhausted. Inhuman flexibility means nothing when you can't get in enough oxygen. A granite chin will crack if somebody hits it enough times.

BJ also enjoyed calling himself a fighter while deeming GSP nothing but an athlete. I just wish BJ would realize that you need to be both in mixed martial arts, even with his natural gifts.

A true fighter has the will to get in the cage and put his life on the line. A true fighter will move forward against an opponent trying to take his head off. A true fighter will fight anyone put in front of him.

A true athlete will constantly challenge himself. A true athlete will improve his skills on a regular basis. A true athlete will surround himself with the right people.

BJ is a true fighter, but he doesn't have the will, spirit, and perhaps even the confidence to be a a great athlete. And that's just not enough in a world filled with guys like Georges St. Pierre.