The UFC will still be going to Hawaii, but they’d like to make the trip with a special guest.
MMAWeekly.com asked Dana White about the promotion’s plan to make an event happen at the Aloha Bowl.
“We’re still working on that, but we want to do it. I was kind of hoping to go to Hawaii again and do a B.J. (Penn) fight at the Aloha Bowl, but B.J. wants to take some time off. He’s going to relax for a while,” White revealed about the UFC going to Hawaii (MMAWeekly).
MMA is still a big sport in the Hawaiian islands, and there’s no danger of interest in MMA going down as a result of Penn’s retirement.
The UFC likes to bring in hometown talent when travelling outside Las Vegas, and having Penn headline an event in his native land would’ve made for a sellout crowd.
Having an event at the Aloha Bowl would be one of the few times the UFC has gone to an outdoor stadium, and they would likely fill up to the 50,000 seat capacity.
Although many fans felt Penn’s retirement speech at UFC 137 was heartfelt and sincere, a comeback may be in the works.
Penn made headlines after calling out Nick Diaz following their bout and expressed interest in a rematch. With Diaz’s failed drug test, Penn could get the time off he wants and return in time should Diaz get suspended.
Even if Penn never steps foot back inside the Octagon, White reassures Hawaiian fans that they will still get their UFC fix.
“We’re coming regardless,” said White (MMAWeekly).
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