Yahoo Sports TUF 19 Finale Results: Frankie Edgar Dominates B.J. Penn; ‘The Prodigy' Retires
Frankie Edgar dominated B.J. Penn en route to a third-round finish in the main event of the TUF 19 Finale in Las Vegas on Sunday.
Edgar beat up Penn for a majority of the headlining fight, finishing “The Prodigy” with a technical knockout at 4:16 of the round.
“It’s a bittersweet victory,” Edgar said. “I almost feel bad for it.”
Edgar outpointed Penn early, landing several punches and a leg kick. After securing a takedown, Frankie stood over Penn as the former two-division champion played a defensive guard for an extended period of time, and he was later stood up by referee Herb Dean. Edgar outstruck Penn for the entirety of the opening round.
Penn, fighting with an upright stance, continued being struck by Edgar, who found openings almost every time he threw a strike before getting a takedown. From guard, Edgar worked ground and pound and transitioned from guard to standing. In each position, Edgar landed a number of punches and elbows.
Edgar continued his assault on Penn in the third round, opening up with a series of power shots and combinations. Penn was taken down for a third time, and Edgar battered him with shots, opening up a cut around the left eye. Edgar continued to pound away as Penn offered little in terms of offense, and the referee had no choice but to put a stop to the contest via TKO.
Leading into fight week, UFC President Dana White said he would push Penn to retire if he lost. Following the defeat on Sunday, Penn hinted that his career is likely done, agreeing with White’s sentiments.
“Dana said it was over, and I gotta agree with him at this point,” Penn said.
With the victory, Edgar moves one step closer to another chance at the UFC featherweight title. With the loss, Penn finishes his MMA career with a record of 16-10-2.
