Count on the welterweights for an entertaining bout

Marcus Davis (above) takes on Jess Liaudin in UFC 80's welterweight battle. Zuffa, LLC

The Ultimate Fighting Championship opens 2008 with its first pay-per-view card of the year coming just three weeks after UFC 79. The promotion takes its show to Newcastle, England, after the UFC held two events in the country last year. UFC 80 begins a very busy stretch for the UFC -- one that includes a UFC Fight Night the Wednesday after UFC 80 and UFC 81 just two weeks later.

UFC President Dana White has conceded that the company has taken a financial hit so far with its overseas ventures.

Last week according to Orange County Register's blog "Keep Punching" White said, "I don't think there is anything profitable about the European market, right now. We're getting our [butts] kicked over there."

Still, Europe is a big part of White's plans for global expansion and he seems intent on conquering the English market first and expanding from there.

As with previous UK cards, UFC 80 will feature its share of European talent. The two main fights are a battle for the UFC lightweight title and a matchup that could help determine the number one contender in the heavyweight division.

BJ Penn vs. Joe Stevenson (UFC lightweight title)

In the 15 months since Sean Sherk defeated Kenny Florian for the UFC lightweight title, the recently resurrected but perpetually cursed division has seen only one title defense. That occurred last July at UFC 73 when Sherk successfully defended the title against Hermes Franca. Unfortunately, both Sherk and Franca failed their drug tests at that event. Sherk vehemently denied any wrongdoing and appealed the positive drug test after he was suspended for 12 months by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC). Months passed with no decision on Sherk's appeal before the CSAC finally made a ruling in early December. While the commission didn't overturn the verdict, Sherk's penalty was cut to six months.

Following the ruling, White stripped Sherk of the title, which set the stage for UFC 80's lightweight title fight between Penn and Stevenson.

Perhaps the only thing less active than the lightweight title in recent memory is Penn's MMA fighting career. The free-spirited Hawaiian has always enjoyed a number of interests outside MMA and fought only once in 2007, twice in 2006, and twice in 2005.

While his motivation level is sometimes questioned, Penn's skills certainly never are. He is a highly respected submission artist with a strong background in Jiu-Jitsu.

"That's what I do. I eat, breathe and sleep Jiu-Jitsu," Penn said according to "Keep Punching." "Every moment I feel I could do it with my eyes closed."

But don't discount Penn's potent standup game, which helps make him an all-around threat often included in the top ten of various pound-for-pound rankings. Interestingly enough, Penn has previously shown no hesitation to fight in higher weight classes, which certainly can't hurt his efforts in the lightweight division. Prior to his rear naked choke victory against Jens Pulver at the TUF 5 Finale, Penn spent time in the UFC's welterweight division and even picked up a loss against current UFC light heavyweight Lyoto Machida in 2005. Still, it would appear that Penn is most dangerous in the lightweight ranks given that three of his four career losses have come in the heavier weight classes.

Stevenson -- the TUF 2 winner in the welterweight division -- received his shot at the title by virtue of his current four-fight win streak in the UFC. His main assets are his strength and his wrestling ability. While he has won a number of fights by submission, it is difficult to imagine that Stevenson will be able to submit the "Gumby-esque" Penn. It's also not easy to believe that Stevenson can get the better of Penn standing up. Stevenson's best chance in this fight is to grind out a decision victory on the ground.

And, don't forget about Sherk -- the now-eligible former champ is the number one contender in the division and awaits the winner of this fight.

Prediction: Penn wins by submission in the third round

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