Las Vegas Weekly

February 2, 2009 · 11:10 AM

St. Georges’ corner tactics rub UFC the wrong way

By John Katsilometes

BJ Penn, in pain. Georges St. Pierre, meanwhile, on assault.

Photo: Sam Morris

Georges St. Pierre had a friend rub Vaseline on his body in Vegas this weekend. That might not seem like a big deal to you, but because it happened between rounds at UFC 94 and is frowned upon in UFC circles (and most social circles), B.J. Penn’s camp is reportedly filing a formal complaint to the Nevada Athletic Commission. Lubing one’s body in such a way is against UFC rules, and this might be the first time the Nevada Athletic Commission is asked to evaluate the sheen of a particular athlete’s torso.

Hey, maybe it was some cagey product placement.

I don’t know what the end game here would be. Give Penn a mandatory rematch? I don’t know anyone in the crowd of 14,885 who honestly believes Penn should be awarded a third shot against a guy who decisioned him in their first fight and mercilessly pulp-ified him Saturday night. But rules are rules, as UFC chief Dana White reminded fight fans.

As punishment, a stern warning – and confiscation of all of St. George’s jars of petroleum jelly – should suffice.

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