BJ Penn vs Joe Stevenson For UFC Interim Title

Sean Sherk's steroid appeal in front of the California State Athletic Commission has again been put on hold until November 13. Sherk and his attorney presented new evidence including polygraph tests, that the commission deemed themselves not ready to make a verdict. So, Sean Sherk and his UFC Lightweight title are still on hold.

But wait, we now have a fight set for an interim title set for January in England. BJ Penn will face Joe "Daddy" Stevenson for the interim title which will become the true title if Sherk ends up being suspended, or will be the opponent of Sherk should he win his steroid appeal and keep his belt. Got that? Ok, simple enough but here is my problem with the deal.

Why is BJ Penn 11-4-1 in this equation? Joe "Daddy" 28-7 is coming off 4 straight wins over talent such as former uncrowned Lightweight Champion Yves Edwards, contender Melvin Guillard, the crafty Mishima, and a great back and forth fight with Kurt Pellegrino. All solid wins over good competition with only 1 fight going to the judges cards. BJ, since returning to the UFC in 2006, has lost twice, once to Georges St. Pierre, once to Matt Hughes in their rematch, and his only win comes over Jens Pulver who to be quite honest, isn't the upper tier Lightweight he used to be. 3 fights with a record of 1-2 gets you a title shot?

I understand BJ has fought a higher level of competition and is coming off the notoriety of The Ultimate Fighter, but a loss is a loss is a loss. Not to mention (too late I did) he has but 1 fight in the Lightweight division. Apparently you get a title shot upon name alone and not the body of your work.

What about Lightweight fighters like Roger Huerta 19-1-1 who is riding a 10 fight winning streak and is a very exciting fighter? What about Spencer Fisher 20-3 who has paid his dues losing only to former #1 contender Hermes Franca and Sam Stout who he defeated in the rematch which is a candidate for "Fight Of The Year." Or even Tyson Griffin 10-1 who has only stumbled against surprise fighter Frankie Edgar and beaten only the top Lightweight talent like stud Thiago Tavares, and the unbelievably tough Clay Guida. Hell I'd even throw Kenny Florian in the mix. He only went 5 rounds with Sean Sherk and bloodied the crap out of him in a decision loss. Kenflo then bounced back defeating Alvin Robinson, Mishima, and dominated Top Contender Din Thomas (by the by finishing all his fights).

It just seems like your name, or reality television stardom should not a title contender make. I do think Penn/Stevenson will be a good and compelling fight. I just don't understand why more deserving Lightweights were brushed aside after working far more in the last 2 years than BJ, and actually winning against top tier fighters. This is my displeasure, and yet, the interim title fight could be a great war.