Time away from the sport has given BJ Penn a chance to reflect on his MMA career.
He is generally respected by peers and fans as one of the greatest fighters of all time. Outside of Randy Couture, he is the only fighter in UFC history to ever hold a title in two separate weight classes.
His name will undoubtedly be featured alongside other legends in the UFC Hall of Fame one day.
With all of these accomplishments, Penn is still struggling to find solace in hanging up his gloves and walking away. He recently spoke with Brett Okamoto of ESPN.com about his current state and if he plans on returning.
“I’m trying to find myself a little bit––not as a fighter trying to come back to the sport, but just as a person. I just honestly sit back and reflect and look at how it went. I really do feel I could have done a lot better in a lot of different situations. I’m heartbroken with the way some of the fights went. The way my UFC 94 fight [against Georges St-Pierre] and my fights with Frankie Edgar went. I’m heartbroken about those fights.”
After losing a split decision to St-Pierre in March 2006, Penn, who was lightweight champion at the time, had his chance at vengeance in January 2009 against the French Canadian in a champion versus champion super fight.
St-Pierre dominated the bout from start to finish and made an all-time great look like a cakewalk. Penn’s corner was forced to throw in the towel at the end of the fourth round.
The back-to-back unanimous decision losses to Edgar were a bit more surprising. Despite being the overwhelming favorite in both bouts, Penn could never settle into a rhythm against Edgar.
There was obviously a new sheriff in the lightweight division who just happened to have the number of one of the greatest lightweights in UFC history.
“I feel I could’ve made better choices, but I don’t feel a major urge that I’ve got to go fix that right now.”
Penn officially announced his retirement after losing to Nick Diaz in October 2011. At 33 years of age, Penn is still in his prime. He still remains one of the most talented fighters on the UFC roster. With the right mindset and motivation, he’s a dangerous outing for any fighter in the lightweight and welterweight divisions.
“I’ve thought about it, but even if you are in your physical prime, there’s still no sense going back if your head isn’t there. I’m enjoying my time away from the sport. That’s where I’m at right now. I’m living a regular life instead of living the roller coaster. I haven’t [lived a normal life] in 15 years.”
There is talk of the UFC being interested in Penn headlining a potential card at the Aloha Bowl in Honolulu, Hawaii. While ecstatic about the possibility of fighting in his homeland, Penn doesn’t want to get any hopes up, as he remains very much undecided about his MMA future.
“I want to tell [my fans] that their guess is as good as mine. I don’t know [what’s next]. [Me and Dana White] would have to sit down and talk about what made sense. That’s amazing that they’re finally deciding to go to Hawaii, but I wouldn’t want to waste Dana’s time, getting his hopes up on something he wants to put together.”
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