I covered the UFC 118 Conference Call with BJ Penn and Frankie Edgar for Fighters Only yesterday.   There were two things that really stood out to me:  the way that fan anticipation and excitement for a big fight can be boosted incrementally with modest and respectful answers instead of incendiary shit-talking, and the fact that both Penn and Edgar admitted that they are unsure what "octagon control" is or how it's scored.


Let's start with the latter, considering my ongoing warpath on MMA scoring and judging.  I asked the two best lightweights in the world how they thought octagon control played out in their last match, because it was a considerable point of debate when analyzing the scores rendered by the judges, and could have made the difference in the fight.  If you'll recall, Frankie adopted a very cerebral range of motion, upholding a ridiculously frenetic pace and knifing in and out of striking range, where Penn mostly adhered to stalking and trying to corner the animated Edgar.

"I would have to say that Frankie was more 'all around the ring', so I would have to say that he had octagon control (I guess).  I guess maybe I was pushing or I was walking forward, but... it's just hard for me to talk about that fight because I feel like I could've did so much better in so many different ways.  But, you know... honestly, I don't even know what octagon control means." -BJ Penn


"Yeah, same thing:  octagon control, I'm not really exactly clear on exactly what that means.  But 'in and out', that's kind of how I fight.  I try to use my tools and things I'm good at it, and it seemed to work." -Frankie Edgar


It's absolutely astounding to me that both fighters admitted they are unsure how octagon control is scored, or what it means.  It's one thing for the fans and media to be at a loss and struggling to grasp the fundamentals of this scoring category, but when the fighters themselves are being gauged on a certain standard of performance, yet have no clue what wins or loses this mark, it speaks volumes about the serious problems with clarity in the unified scoring criteria.


Coming off one of the most colorful and heated war of words in the Chael Sonnen versus Anderson Silva title fight, which got as much press (or more) than the match-up itself, it was utterly refreshing to stay absorbed in the electricity of this upcoming battle amongst comments rooted in sportsmanship, class, and undeniable respect for one another in the Penn and Edgar conference.  Instead of ridiculing one another and trying to fashion cutting one-liners, the palpable air of focus and determination from each fighter successfully provided a build-up for this epic confrontation "the old fashioned way".


Sometimes, just knowing that both competitors have the utmost respect for one another and are beyond motivated and focused on training to become the best fighter in the world can be just as appealing as the typical grudge match fostered by the infamous "bad blood" routine.  The remaining points of interest from the call are noted below.  You can download the audio from the press conference by visiting 5th Round.

• Penn summed up his legendary reputation for being the best lightweight in history, the prestige of holding the belt, and all the hype that comes along with it:  "It's all bullshit.  The only thing that's real is the fight."
• Penn constantly praised Edgar's corner for their exemplary instructions and coaching in their first clash, saying they deserved a lot of credit.
• Edgar said he'll walk into the cage a little over 160, but has no reason to ever consider dropping down in weight.
• Mentions of other opponents in other weight classes were all cast aside by Penn and Edgar, who made it clear their only focus was the task at hand.
• Edgar is prepared to stand with BJ and cited the former champ's incredible takedown defense as why he's prepared for anything and couldn't plan on a ground battle.
• Penn brought in DREAM featherweight champ Bibiano Fernandes and other "little boxer/wrestler types" to emulate Edgar's style, but Fernandes turned out to be BJ's "spiritual advisor" for his teachings on mental strength.
• Edgar feels the close proximity of Boston to his hometown of New Jersey will probably make him the hometown favorite, as he has many friends and family making the trip to support him.
• The immediate rematch was approved by both fighters:  BJ was anxious to fight right away after losing the belt, and had to be reigned in by the UFC on another opponent to hold off for confirmation of the Edgar rematch; Frankie said he accepted the fight right away and was okay with the thought process behind it.
• Many elements of their first encounter were brought to light, but each explained that they only learned a ton and wanted to apply it in their training camps to be better prepared for the victory.
• Penn had words of encouragement for James Toney, and wished him a respectable performance, telling how they'd met in the past and Toney seemed genuinely motivated to become an MMA fighter.

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