Mexican prodigy Yair Rodriguez ensured BJ Penn's comeback was a short-lived one, dominating the legendary lightweight as he coasted to a second round TKO victory at the UFC Fight Night in Phoenix.
Penn, MMA's first dual-division champion and a future hall of famer, looked completely outclassed after an almost three- year hiatus from the sport, as 'El Pantera' battered the Hawaiian from the opening bell with an onslaught of kicks that had him in survival mode from the outset.
Wobbling Penn with a head kick in the first stanza, the 24-year-old booked a comfortable 10-8 points advantage in the first round before flooring him again in the second with a lightning front kick, then pouncing with a slew of hammer fists to force referee John McCarthy to step in and put an end to the bout, albeit somewhat late.
"I fought a legend tonight," Rodriguez said in his post-fight interview. "He should have everyone's respect."
Penn was barely able to land an ounce of offense – the difference in years glaring as the 38-year-old struggled to deal with Rodriquez's trademark arsenal of spectacular strikes.
The win earned Rodriguez a $US50,000 ($NZ71,000) Performance of the Night bonus, while Penn refused any comment in the aftermath of his loss.
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