Sean Sherk has pinpointed BJ Penn as the reason why the UFC lightweight division is failing to ignite.
Sherk has grown tired of watching Penn attempt to challenge at two different weight divisions, meaning the lightweight title has not been defended since May 24, 2008.
The 155lb division boasts plenty of names in the ascendency, not least Sherk, Diego Sanchez, Clay Guida, Tyson Griffin, Gray Maynard and Kenny Florian, but excitement levels are dipping because fights cannot be billed as title eliminators.
Sherk fights another rising star, Frankie Edgar (9-1-0), at UFC 98, but he admits he cannot predict when he will next get a title shot.
“I think the hard part for The UFC right now, is that their champion is only defending the belt once a year,” Sherk was quoted as saying by MMA Fanhouse.
“I think it will be 15 months since that belt has been defended by the time BJ defends it.
“It's kind of a tough situation for them to begin with and it's a real tough situation for all of us contenders who are trying to fight our way to the top because once we get to the top there's nobody defending the belt.
“It's like, 'OK, what do I do now?' Even if I win this fight, I will be sitting on the sidelines - if they do give me a title shot after this, assuming I win - I'll be sitting on the sidelines for another nine or ten months waiting for Penn to defend it.
Sherk’s point is highlighted by number one contender Kenny Florian, who even had to fill his time by taking a very risky fight with Joe Stevenson before finally getting a title tilt.
“It's frustrating. Like myself, I feel like I could fight for a title again. I feel like I've earned it. But like I said, there's nobody really defending the belt.
“I think BJ wants to fight in two different weight classes, but he doesn't want to fight more than twice a year, so it's a real tough situation for a contender. I don't know what The UFC's thoughts are on the subject, but as a contender, it's kind of frustrating.”