The rumored return of BJ Penn is one step closer to becoming a reality says UFC President Dana White.
White confirmed at the UFC on FX 3 press conference that Joe Silva will be speaking with Penn this evening about a proposed bout with Rory MacDonald. The bout is targeted for UFC 152 in Toronto on September 22nd.
Following a hard-fought decision loss to Nick Diaz at UFC 137 in October of 2011, Penn announced his retirement from the sport. It was bitter sweet for many as he’s always been a fan favorite. It just seemed like his heart was no longer in fighting. By all accounts, he also wanted to spend more time with his family.
The UFC attempted to drag Penn out of retirement with a proposed bout against Josh Koscheck. Penn apparently was not interested, and he turned it down. He apparently was enjoying spending his time in retirement.
Earlier this week, news broke that Penn was interested in facing Rory MacDonald. Rory wanted to face the former welterweight champion before Penn hit the downswing of his career.
The bout is not yet confirmed as Penn still needs to speak with UFC matchmaker Joe Silva. However, should he agree to face the up-and-coming welterweight, it is expected the bout will be the co-main event of the card.
It is expected for the fight to be confirmed later this evening or tomorrow morning.
**Update: The UFC has announced that both Penn and MacDonald have verbally agreed to the bout, which is tentatively scheduled to take place September 22 on the UFC 152 card in Toronto.
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