MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- In a masterful display of athletic ability, lightweight champion B.J. Penn dispatched challenger Diego Sanchez on a fifth-round cut on Saturday in the UFC 107 “Penn vs. Sanchez” main event at the FedEx Forum.

On the eve of his 31st birthday, Penn dominated Sanchez from the opening bell and reminded the world why many believe he has no equal at 155 pounds.

“I was keeping my mouth shut, but I always wanted to fight Diego Sanchez,” said Penn, who has not lost as a lightweight in nearly eight years. “I knew he wanted to fight me, even though he didn’t say it. I knew for years he wanted to fight me.”

Penn buckled Sanchez with a straight right hand in the first minute of round one; it was a punch that would find its mark over and over again during the one-sided five-round affair. The Hawaiian followed with a series of unabated right hands that sent Sanchez to his knees each time he tried to rise to his feet. Showing amazing heart and determination, the challenger rolled forward to avoid the hail of firepower being directed his way. Amazingly, Sanchez gradually got his legs back under him, and even though Penn’s pace slowed, he still found his mark with a pair of right hands in the closing seconds of the first period.
Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com

Sanchez took a beating from Penn.


The champion settled into a pattern of defending takedowns and striking as the opportunities arose over the next three rounds. Sanchez shot in repeatedly but never came close to taking the match to the floor. Penn defended by pushing down his challenger’s head and using his remarkable balance to remain standing, all while picking at Sanchez with punches and elbows in the clinch.

Penn also landed at will while the two exchanged at a distance, and the evidence of his work piled up on Sanchez’s face. Bruised and bleeding, Sanchez refused to give in despite the ineffectiveness of his attack.

At the start of the final round, Penn yelled across the ring, and Sanchez, still game, barked back. Penn charged out and resumed his dogged pursuit of Sanchez, landing his first kick of the night, his shin ripping a huge cut in the left side of Sanchez’s forehead.

Penn then flurried on his wounded opponent, and once the two separated it became apparent the title fight had reached its conclusion. A flood of crimson washed down Sanchez’s face, and it took just seconds for the cage-side physician to mercifully end the lopsided beating 2:37 into round five.

“B.J.’s a great champion,” Sanchez said. “He came in the best B.J. that ever stepped in the ring. I did my best. He came out on top. I’ll be back.”

Shocking.... thought sanchez would of had this 1..

I'm with you steve