After a small setback, BJ Penn’s attempt at a UFC comeback is rumored to be continuing this fall.
News arrived tonight from MMA Fighting that Penn, who was recently had his scheduled return against Cole Miller canceled and suspended for six months by USADA for IV use, is being slated to headline October 15’s UFC Fight Night 97 from SM Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines against top contender Ricardo Lamas.
Penn has been out of the Octagon since he retired following a dominant, one-sided loss to Frankie Edgar at July 2014’s TUF 19 Finale, his third loss to “The Answer.” The former lightweight and welterweight champion has lost three straight after dropping his previous two UFC bouts to Rory MacDonald and Nick Diaz.
Lamas, meanwhile, could use a win over a big name opponent to get his career back on track. While “The Bully” still maintains a lofty No. 4 ranking, his only win since November 2014 was over fading veteran Diego Sanchez, and he has a 3-3 overall record in his last six UFC bouts. Lamas was last seen losing a lopsided decision to surging contender Max Holloway at June’s UFC 199.
Both men need a win in this pivotal bout, and it will be on the grand stage of the UFC’s next trip to the fight-crazy fans of Manila. The pressure should be more on Penn’s shoulders, however, as “The Prodigy” has to prove he can still fight against the best featherweights in the world.
He’ll have that chance against a true top-ranked opponent in Lamas. Who are you picking to come out victorious?
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