Why is BJ Penn considered a lightweight legend despite the many losses on his record?

BJ Penn is by far, one of the most recognizable names in the sport of MMA – having been a terrific fighter inside the cage, he also showed tremendous grit and valour, earmarking him as a bonafide legend.

That being said, BJ Penn’s record is 16-14-2, which means that the Hawaiian has 16 wins as opposed to 14 losses, and two draws. This is where the contentious bit about his legacy comes in – can Penn still be considered a legend given he has an almost 1:1 win-loss ratio? Most say he can, and while only some believe he shouldn’t be.

A look at BJ Penn’s career serves the purpose of further investigation into the case. Penn’s debut in the UFC came 21 years ago, when he fought Joey Gilbert (and won) at UFC 31. In quick succession, he was booked to fight Jens Pulver at UFC 35. Penn lost the fight in heartbreaking fashion, and could not be called a UFC champion just yet. After a botched tournament designed by the UFC to designate a new lightweight, after Pulver relinquished his title, Penn took a brief leave from the UFC to fight in other competitions.

Upon his return, BJ Penn jumped in weight class to take on Georges St.Pierre – a fight that he lost via decision, but won in popular opinion. He then replaced the Canadian in a title fight against Matt Hughes, only to lose again. After a tremulous time, wherein his fight with Sean Sherk was cancelled, Penn was finally given the chance to take home the lightweight belt against Joe Stevenson – and he did exactly that. His first title defence also came against Sean Sherk, which made the deal even sweeter.

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Is BJ Penn’s legacy tainted by his record losing streak?

Based on his dominating performances, he was given yet another title shot – this time at welterweight, against familiar rival St.Pierre, which led to a loss and the infamous “Greasegate”. Returning back to lightweight, Penn defended against Kenny Florian and Diego Sanchez, minting his status as the greatest lightweight, back then.

However, his long undefeated streak in the 155-pound division would come to an end after two successive losses to another lightweight great in Frankie Edgar. Deciding to move up to welterweight yet again, Penn was greeted by a win and a draw (against Matt Hughes and John Fitch). His time, however, would not be as successful, as then went on to lose against Nick Diaz and Rory MacDonald.

Following these two defeats, he went on a further five-fight losing streak – losing to the likes of Frankie Edgar and Yair Rodriguez. After the Edgar loss, Penn moved down to featherweight, in hopes of newer scenery, which wasn’t successful. The Hawaiian holds the UFC record for the longest losing streak at seven fights.

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Hence, the question of him being a lightweight legend is usually marred by his losing streak, which is hard to look away from. That being said, it is important to remember that Penn held a long-standing win record in the lightweight division, and as such, helped in its popularization. Most of his losses have come at 145  or 170 pounds, where he was largely fighting out of his prime. To sum it up – yes, BJ Penn will forever be a legend of the lightweight division, and his losses in other divisions shouldn’t detract from that status.

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