UFC Lightweight Champion BJ Penn continues to talk about returning to the 170lb. division. In a recent teleconference call promoting his April 10th bout with challenger Frankie Edgar, Penn conceded that he’s still extremely interested in taking another run at the welterweight belt (back in 2004, when Joe Average would have guessed MMA stood for Mad Mothers Association, Penn surprised many by dethroning Matt Hughes). And no, to answer your ‘this isn’t going to be about ‘greasegate’’ question, from the Fighter’s Only Magazine report, there was no mention of Penn explicitly petitioning for a third bout with GSP.
“I’ve been the welterweight champion once, and in a lot of ways, I really wouldn’t mind being the welterweight champion again. I think it’s just a fun thing to do. I think it’s cool, and I think that’s what martial arts is about,” Penn added.
Penn also stated that he would talk to UFC boss man Dana White about the possible move, and that maybe he would also continue to compete at lightweight, similar to middleweight champ Anderson Silva’s activities at 205. White has gone on record stating that if Penn returns to welterweight he will have to work his way back into a title shot (so yes, GSP vs. Penn III is theoretically possible, providing St.Pierre continues to defend the belt).
But you’re also probably thinking; isn’t everyone forgetting about Edgar? A pretty damn good fighter? Penn maintains he’s not looking past the Jersey fighter. That’s smart. Edgar’s no cake walk. To bet on UFC 111 or 112 head here.