BJ Penn: I was 148 in the cage vs. Frankie
In a recent exchange on Twitter, BJ Penn said he was sparring in camp at 159 lbs., woke up on fight day at 150.0 lbs., but entered the cage at 148 lbs.
BJ Penn’s most recent and likely final fight was a losing effort to Frankie Edgar at The Ultimate Fighter 19 Finale on July 6, 2014. In his first post-loss interview, Penn told BJPenn.com that he would not use strength, condition, and nutrition coach Mike Dolce again.
When asked if he would like to elaborate, Penn declined.
No, that’s it,” he said. “Next question.
In a recent exchange on Twitter, Penn offered a little more detail, via Twitter.
Marin MMA @MarinMMA
@bjpenndotcom Bj I just rewatched the fight. You looked small and hungry. How much did you weight walking in?
BJ PENN @bjpenndotcom
sparred @ 159 lbs. during camp. woke up fight day @ 150.0 lbs. entered the ring @ 148 lbs.
Marin MMA @MarinMMA
How come you came in so light?! You should of been back at your sparring weight of 159!
BJ PENN @bjpenndotcom
I know ):
Marin MMA @MarinMMA
Every fighter should rehydrate and eat after weigh in! Didn’t Mike Dolce do your diet? I thought he was the best?
BJ PENN @bjpenndotcom
yup
The fight with Edgar was in 145 pound featherweight division. As it was a non title fight, the cut off was 146. Penn weighed in at 145, Edgar at 145.5. Although there are exceptions, most notably Frankie Edgar when he fought at 155, It would be highly unusual for a fighter to compete at just two pounds over the contracted weight.
In a previous exchange with some fans, Dolce offered a description of Penn’s weigh in that is contrary to the details above. It began when a fan posted an image of BJ’s post weigh in meal.
“You guys are making wild assumptions based off a single photo with no knowledge of the 6,000 other calories he ate in the 30 hours after weigh-ins,” countered Dolce. “I know we all love BJ so let’s ease your minds… BJ weighed 155-158 for the last 4 weeks of camp and stepped into the cage at 155lbs. He drank over 2 gallons of water (16 lbs) in that period while using a very similar meal and rehydration plan as Hendricks and Alves and Rousey and Lentz and…Chael, except Chael (and most others) cut over 20 lbs fight week while BJ cut less than 2lbs. BJ chose (correctly) not to use an IV because he had rarely used them in the past and didn’t cut a single ounce on weigh-in day. He was even sipping coconut water and eating small snacks in the hours before weigh-ins. BJ was completely healthy and well prepared. He is a legend.”
Dolce and Penn’s recounting of “The Prodigy’s” weight during camp are roughly equivalent. However, they remain starkly apart on Penn’s weight when he stepped into the Octagon, probably for the last time.