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UFC President Dana White gives his reason why the company decided to give B.J. Penn another fight, but promises this would be “The Prodigy’s last”
After seven straight losses since 2011 and a brief retirement in between, B.J Penn will get to step inside the UFC Octagon once again. Now 40 years of age, “The Prodigy” verbally agreed to a fight with Nik Lentz for a date and venue still to be determined.
Penn has not been the same fighter he was during his years of dominance in the early 2000’s, which makes this decision to grant him another fight a bit questionable. During the UFC 240 post-fight presser on early Sunday morning, UFC Dana White gave the reason why.
“Because he terrorized me for a week and wouldn’t stop texting me for three days straight and talked me into it,” he told reporters in attendance.
White, however, said he made a deal with the former lightweight and welterweight champion, which states that this would be Penn’s final fight in the UFC.
“We have a deal now, win, lose or draw, this is B.J Penn’s last fight. It’s very clear between us now that there won’t be another fight, no matter what,” he said.
“B.J. walked me through a million reasons why he needs this fight, why he has to have it, and he talked me into it. You guys know me, when I’m in, in and I’m gonna do what I’m gonna do.
“So, we’re doing this; he’s promised me that win, lose, or draw, he will retire after this fight,” he added. “We’ll see if he keeps his promise. He won’t fight (in the UFC), though. That, I guarantee you.”
Penn last fought at UFC 237 last May, where he lost to Clay Guida via unanimous decision.