BJ Penn’s UFC return at featherweight against Ricardo Lamas is being targeted as the main event feature for the UFC’s second Manila event this October.
The UFC is working on another noteworthy headliner for their second fight card in Manila, Philippines this October. This time, a featherweight fight between BJ Penn and Ricardo Lamas is being set-up.
Per Ariel Helwani of MMA Fighting, the said match-up is targeted as the main event for the October 15th event at the Mall of Asia Arena. It is the same venue that housed the UFC’s debut fight card in the country last May 2015, which was bannered by Frankie Edgar and Urijah Faber.
“The Prodigy” was originally slated for his UFC return at UFC 199 last June against Cole Miller, but was forced out of the bout due to a USADA IV violation. He was slapped with a six-month suspension, which ends in September.
He last saw action in July 2014 against Frankie Edgar, where he lost via third round TKO. He subsequently announced his retirement after the fight. Penn has just 1 win in his last 7 bouts, dating back to 2010.
Lamas, on the other hand, is coming off a decision loss to Max Holloway at UFC 199 and is currently the #4 ranked featherweight in the world.