Written by Scott Swerbinsky

---

This Saturday, the MGM Grand in Las Vegas will host one of the most talked about events in mixed martial arts in quite some time. It's UFC 84, and the card is absolutely loaded. BJ Penn takes on Sean Sherk in the main event. Tito Ortiz's last fight in the UFC. And Keith Jardine takes on Wanderlei Silva. You know my cousin is all jacked up about this event, and he previews it for us in his latest contribution for us here at The Cleveland Fan. This Saturday, the MGM Grand in Las Vegas will host one of the most talked about events in mixed martial arts in quite some time. It's UFC 84, and the card is absolutely loaded.

The main event is going to be a great lightweight title fight between BJ Penn and Sean Sherk. BJ Penn is easily one of the most respected fighters in the world today. The same can't be said for his opponent.

Penn has been all over the world fighting and goes hand in hand with the rise of the sport. BJ started in the UFC back in 2001 and made a quick splash beating some of the toughest guys around. He then disappeared for a two years before returning in 2006. When he is right mentally, there might not be any person that can beat him. He is 8-3 in the UFC and has held the title in both the 155 and 170 pound divisions. His all around game is second to none. He is currently the "interim" Lightweight Champion.

The reason Penn's title is classified as interim is because Sean Sherk tested positive for steroids a few months back. He was suspended for a year which was then cut down to six months. At the time of the suspension, Sherk was the title holder in the 155 pound division.

Sean Sherk is a damn good fighter, no doubt about it. He holds a 6-2 UFC record and those two losses were to Matt Hughes and Georges St. Pierre. He is coming off of two solid wins over Hermes Franca and Kenny Florian. The fact that he tested positive for steroids has lost him a lot of respect in the mma world. His wrestling is phenomenal but when people think you're a cheater, it sticks with you.

I expect BJ Penn to show the world once again why he is considered one of the best fighters ever. All around, he is easily in top three pound for pound fighters. Sherk has a lot to prove but I don't think he can overcome all of the talent that BJ Penn possesses. This fight in the biggest the lightweight division has ever seen.

The main event is going to be great. However, it to me is not the biggest event that will take place at UFC 84.

There is no secret to anyone that Tito Ortiz is one of the biggest names ever in the UFC and in mixed martial arts history. He was the first fighter to bring a true entertainment value along with him. Fans wanted to see the entrance to the cage as much as they wanted to see Tito fight. I personally have been a fight fan for a long time but Ortiz got me hooked on the UFC for good. He helped build the sport to what it is today.

UFC 84 on Saturday May 24^th will be Tito Ortiz's last fight in the UFC. His contract is up and there seems to be no chance he resigns with the organization. The conflict with UFC President Dana White is real and there seems to be no end in sight. It's going to be a damn shame to see Tito Ortiz with any other organization down the road.

For his final fight, Ortiz has a very tall task in front of him when he steps in with Lyoto Machida. Ortiz, who has more fights in the UFC than anyone else will look to be the first to defeat Machida.

Lyoto Machida is currently 4-0 in the UFC and 12-0 as a pro fighter. Ortiz, who made his octagon debut back in 1997, is 14-5-1 overall with the UFC.

I think Ortiz has the hunger we haven't seen from him in a few years. He is injury free for the first time in awhile also. Going into this match, he is actually considered the underdog. Add that all up and I look for a Ortiz win. If anyone has something to prove tonight, it's Tito Ortiz. I wouldn't miss his final fight in "his" cage for anything.

Full fight card:

B.J. Penn vs. Sean Sherk (for lightweight title)

Keith Jardine vs. Wanderlei Silva

Wilson Gouveia vs. Goran Reljic

Lyoto Machida vs. Tito Ortiz

Thiago Silva vs. Antonio Mendes

Rousimar Palhares vs. Ivan Salaverry

Kazuhiro Nakamura vs. Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou

Rich Clementi vs. Terry Etim

John Koppenhaver vs. Yoshiyuki Yoshida

Dong-Hyun Kim vs. Jason Tan

Shane Carwin vs. Christian Wellisch

UFC 84 should be a very exciting fight card. It should also be a great event.

The title fight between Penn and Sherk will be phenomenal. Tito Ortiz will put on a show on his way out of the UFC. The battle of Jardine and Silva should provide fireworks.

I am pumped and ready for "Ill Will" to take place, I wouldn't advise anyone to miss it.