Mixed martial arts fan Shane Victorino popped into a makeshift workout room at the Loews Hotel yesterday to watch fighters preparing for Saturday night's UFC 101 event.
The Phillies centerfielder gave a Philly welcome to B.J. Penn, a fellow shaved-head Hawaiian who will defend the UFC lightweight title.
UFC is hot in Hawaii, Victorino said.
"We have these hot-blooded Hawaiians. I'd say this has become the No. 1 sport there."
Asked which teammate he'd best match up with in the UFC Octagon, the 185-pound Victorino chose 170-pounder Jimmy Rollins.
Not because of any problems. It's just that Ryan Howard and Jayson Werth are heavyweights, he said.
