I keep seeing people posting about how BJ is going to get "ragdolled" and pounded out by Rory. On several threads I have posted the following points:
(1) BJ has legendary takedown defense. While Rory has viscious GnP, what has be done in his career to indicate he can come close to taking BJ down?
(2) Assuming he can't take BJ down (at least in the beginning of the fight), what has Rory done to indicate he can hang with BJ on his feet?
Rory could win this fight in later rounds, sure. And maybe I'm wrong about this kid. But I certainly don't see it as a BAD matchup.
People are writing about Rory's size, but I'm not sure what it's going to accomplish. I don't see him getting the takedown and I see BJ boxing him up.
I hope bj comes in prime form and it is a back and forth fight til the very end! 
wiggum - I keep seeing people posting about how BJ is going to get "ragdolled" and pounded out by Rory. On several threads I have posted the following points:I am one of BJs biggest fans... but Rory ragdolled Nate Diaz who is a ton bigger than BJ.
(1) BJ has legendary takedown defense. While Rory has viscious GnP, what has be done in his career to indicate he can come close to taking BJ down?
(2) Assuming he can't take BJ down (at least in the beginning of the fight), what has Rory done to indicate he can hang with BJ on his feet?
Rory could win this fight in later rounds, sure. And maybe I'm wrong about this kid. But I certainly don't see it as a BAD matchup.
People are writing about Rory's size, but I'm not sure what it's going to accomplish. I don't see him getting the takedown and I see BJ boxing him up.
Also - Rory is arguably the largest and strongest guy in the division.
This is just a massive size mismatch... doesn't really matter that BJs takedown defense is great....
lionsoul -Rory isnt THAT much bigger than GSPwiggum - I keep seeing people posting about how BJ is going to get "ragdolled" and pounded out by Rory. On several threads I have posted the following points:I am one of BJs biggest fans... but Rory ragdolled Nate Diaz who is a ton bigger than BJ.
(1) BJ has legendary takedown defense. While Rory has viscious GnP, what has be done in his career to indicate he can come close to taking BJ down?
(2) Assuming he can't take BJ down (at least in the beginning of the fight), what has Rory done to indicate he can hang with BJ on his feet?
Rory could win this fight in later rounds, sure. And maybe I'm wrong about this kid. But I certainly don't see it as a BAD matchup.
People are writing about Rory's size, but I'm not sure what it's going to accomplish. I don't see him getting the takedown and I see BJ boxing him up.
Also - Rory is arguably the largest and strongest guy in the division.
This is just a massive size mismatch... doesn't really matter that BJs takedown defense is great....
GSP is THE best wrestler in MMA and he had trouble
There is more to size in a fight
See Brock vs Cain
I don't think PEnn is going to get "rag-dolled" by Rory or anything, but I do think Rory is going to win.
One fighter is going one way and one fighter is going the other. I'm as big a fan of BJ Penn as there is.........but I don't see him winning this fight.
to say Rory can ragdoll Penn b/c he ragdolled Penn is just plain stupid. Nate Diaz is a much different build at 170 than BJ and has no real base. BJ's takedown defense will be much more effective against Rory than Nate's could ever be.
I like BJ and I think is a great fighter but very overrated. For some reason he is some mythical fighter to the folks on the UG.
This fight is nothing more than to get Rory's name out there. BJ should stay retired or get in shape and fight at 55. 
I'm picking Penn for the exact reasons listed in OP. Rory won't get the takedown and he will get beat up on the feet. If BJ can't finish it within 3 he is in trouble though.
I hate matchups like these cause I don't wanna see either of them lose! Lol
Edited for clarity
""to say Rory can ragdoll Penn b/c he ragdolled Penn is just plain stupid. Nate Diaz is a much different build at 170 than BJ and has no real base. BJ's takedown defense will be much more effective against Rory than Nate's could ever be."
This is my big issue.
I appreciate that all the responses here have been in good faith. But anyone who is claiming Penn will be ragdolled hasn't really explained themselves. They cite a size advantage.
But how does Rory use it? Clinch? Does he shoot a double? Does he hit it against BJ Penn?
Rory could surprise me. Someone can ttt this after the fight and I'll gladly eat crow. But nothing I've seen from Rory indicates - matchup wise - he'll rag doll BJ, at least in the first two rounds.
Nate Diaz and BJ Penn are different in almost every way.
Considering Rory's camp and primary training partner have already laid out the blueprint to beat BJ...I see the outcome of this being quite predictable. Rory by UD
Stu P Dasso - Che mills almost ko'ed rorywhat
"Considering Rory's camp and primary training partner have already laid out the blueprint to beat BJ...I see the outcome of this being quite predictable. Rory by UD"
Strategy is one thing. Taking down BJ Penn is another. Where has he shown the ability to take him down?
wiggum - "Considering Rory's camp and primary training partner have already laid out the blueprint to beat BJ...I see the outcome of this being quite predictable. Rory by UD"
Strategy is one thing. Taking down BJ Penn is another. Where has he shown the ability to take him down?
He doesn't have to take him down in the first, but when BJ gasses in the second the takedown will come very easily.
"He doesn't have to take him down in the first, but when BJ gasses in the second the takedown will come very easily.
You have ignored this user."
This is realistic.
My hunch is Rory's strategy will be to grind him in the clinch for a round or two and then move to a GSP II strategy.
He has to beware of BJ's uppercuts, though, which I think could do serious damage.
bj could try to sub him too
This is exactly what rory wants. People questioning the fight. Is rory ready for a legend like bj? Can he take him down? Can he stand with him?
That's what you want for a young fighters coming out party!
When he lays a beating on BJ the hype will really grow!
And it's not just because my name is also rory and I'm from British Columbia :)
"This is exactly what rory wants. People questioning the fight. Is rory ready for a legend like bj? Can he take him down? Can he stand with him?"
Sure. Credit to Rory, for sure, for wanting a fight this dangerous.
I think the answer to both of those questions is no. Rory could prove me wrong.