B.J. Penn wants a third UFC title
At UFC Fight Night 103, B.J. Penn begins his journey to become the only UFC fighter to hold a belt in three different weight classes.
B.J. Penn is a legend in the world of mixed martial arts. With the UFC, he is only one of three fighters to hold a title in two separate divisions: welterweight and lightweight. At UFC Fight Night 103, Penn will begin his quest to acquire an unprecedented third championship belt in a completely different weight class by facing the featherweight division’s No. 10 contender, Yair Rodriguez.
At UFC 46, Penn defeated UFC Hall of Fame legend Matt Hughes for the welterweight title. Then, at UFC 80, he submitted Joe Stevenson to secure the lightweight title. Only two other fighters have held titles in two separate weight classes: Randy Couture and Conor McGregor. However, Penn wishes to acquire a title in a third weight class, which has never been achieved before in the UFC.
In an interview with ESPN, Penn commented on his upcoming bout and run for a third title.
“There’s more opportunity for me to get three UFC belts at 145 than going to 185. I already feel really confident nobody will be able to get the 155- and 170-pound belts. I want to get one more world title. Three titles at three weight classes, and without a doubt 145 is my best option.”
Despite his optimism, Penn has not won a fight since 2010, prompting his retirement in 2014. He sports a 1-5-1 record in his last seven fights, and at 38 years old, age may serve as his biggest Achilles heel.
His opponent is a rambunctious and unorthodox 24-year-old fighter who boasts a record of 8-1. However, Rodriguez is still green with respect to MMA, not having fought anyone of name value. Penn will serve as a significant stepping stone for the Mexican fighter as he advances up the featherweight ranks.
As for Penn, the Hawaiian represents the best of MMA’s past. His current run for another title would serve to deepen his legacy and solidify him as arguably the best combat sports fighter of all time.
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