(KNOCKOUT NATION NEWS – May 25, 2008) Sean Sherk hoped to regain his Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight belt in a scheduled five-round bout with sworn enemy B.J. Penn, but his dream was deferred by flying knee.
Sean Sherk’s (36-2-1) belt was removed because he tested positive for steroids. BJ Penn (13-4-1) then scooped the belt up and subsequently called Sherk out. The hatred Sherk has expressed for Penn emerged immediately when their fight started in the Vegas MGM Grand Saturday night.
Sherk said he never fought anybody that he hated, but there are firsts for most everything. Sherk was driven to get his lightweight belt back.
While driven, Sherk had immediate difficulty with Penn’s 3-inch reach advantage. Still, he managed to rock Penn on occasion, but the tide would not favor him much.
Known for his rigorous cardio routine, Sherk was favored if he was capable of taking Penn into deep water in the five round bout. Penn’s jab was lightening fast and continued to fluster Sherk. By the first round’s end, Sherk had a minor cut under his right eye.
Following his corner’s instruction, Sherk showed more head movement even though Penn was able to strike with knees and fists in close quarters. The fight was very much a boxing match as Penn’s jab continued to connect, bloodying Sherk’s face. Sherk had a pair of matching cuts under both eyes by the beginning of the third round.
There was wide speculation that Sherk had hurt his right hand after showing a reluctance to thrown it with bad intentions. Suddenly, in the third, Penn catches Sherk with a trio of jabs, backing him up. He then follows with a flying left knee to Sherk’s chin. The bell rings and the fight is ended amid a series of blows from Penn. Sherk was unable to continue.
The hate Sherk held for Penn was exorcised as the two men embraced.
“Sean, always respect. Sean Sherk is a great competitor,” the undisputed champion said from the octagon.
Shunning retirement, Sherk explained that he would keep fighting, but had no opinions on the stoppage. He admitted he didn’t even hear the bell ring.
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