This fight is one of the earlier examples I remember where I was looking at a visual representation of the whole skill and technique vs size and strength argument.
The fact that BJ moved up and looked as good as he did (as he often did when moving up), made me realize that a smaller guy could overcome his own physical disadvantages.
I always suspected that this was where his fanbase’s passion and intensity came from.
Yup. I have respected him immensely from day one because of the way he always looked for the biggest challenges, regardless of weight class or otherwise. He had his losses but always wanted to test himself.
As a smaller guy myself always competing against bigger guys, I found inspiration in him. He isn’t the first MMA fighter I watched but he’s my first favorite and got me hooked on the sport.