If you didn’t know about BJ Penn’s long standing history with the Gracie’s and the 209 you should pick up BJ’s book; Why I Fight. In case the best seller isn’t in your immediate library, let me give you a quick piece of background info. After training with Ralph Gracie in the late 90’s BJ developed into The Prodigy we all know and love today, but his book paints a picture of reluctance to join in on this MMA stuff. See, BJ was dominating in the Jiu Jitsu world and was somewhat wary of the burgeoning sport of MMA. After much pleading, Ralph finally convinced BJ to take a fight, so they packed up and headed to the 209. Yep, BJ won his debut fight, although unrecorded, in Stockton, California.
Now we come full circle in a way and BJPenn.com has made an incredible film documenting all of the nuttiness of the last few weeks, including Reagan Penn’s debut win at Pro Elite and all of the drama of the UFC 137 opponent switcharoo. Want to hear BJ’s unfiltered thoughts on the 209? Watch this fascinating documentary below.
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