Penn aims to win record third belt

Three fighters in UFC history have won belts in two divisions – BJ Penn, Randy Couture, and Conor McGregor. McGregor has the distinction of being the first fighter to hold two belts simultaneously.

Penn appeared recently on the 5ive Rounds podcast and said he’s returning to MMA as a featherweight with the aim of winning the belt in a third division. The current champion is Jose Aldo. Max Holloway and Anthony Pettis fight for the interim title in the main event of UFC 206 on Saturday and the winner will presumably have a unification fight with Aldo.

“There’s more of an opportunity for me to get three UFC belts at 145 than going to 185,” said Penn, as transcribed by Jed Meshew for MMA Fighting. “I really feel really confident that nobody’s gonna able to get the 155 and 170 pound belts. But my best shot at 38 years old, if you really wanted to ask me – I want to get one more world title and to try to get three titles at three weight classes – and without a doubt 145 is my best option.”

Penns return has been cursed thus far. A scheduled fight with Dennis Siver at UFC 197 was scrapped after criminal allegations were made; the County of Hawaii prosecuting attorney officially declined to prosecute the case due to insufficient evidence. A scheduled fight with Cole Miller at UFC 199 was scrapped after Penn volunteered to a USADA official that he had been given an IV, in violation of the new out of competition requirements. And a scheduled fight with Ricardo Lamas at UFC Fight Night Manila was scrapped after Penn suffered a rib injury; the entire event was eventually canceled.

Now Penn is set to fight Yair Rodriguez on January 15, 2017 at UFC Fight Night 103. Rodriguez is on a five-fight win streak in the UFC. By contrast, Penn is 1-3-1 his last five.

“So, what you’re saying is when I make this look easy on January 15th, I’m the f***ing man, is that what you’re telling me?…It’s not a difficult fight at all. He’s a very good guy but I feel like I’m training with very good guys. I have a good team around me and I don’t feel anything is anywhere near out of my league.”

“I just like fighting again. Standing in front of people, sparring every day, punching people, getting into fist fights every morning. I like it and I missed it. I can’t live without it right now. While I can still lift my arms up and do sprints, and I still can do all these things, this is what I want to do. This is what I love to do. This is the best way I know how to make an honest living. This is me.”

UFC president Dana White was asked in July to name a fighter who didn’t live up to his potential and cited Penn.

“All I’ve got to say to when Dana said that is, it’s not over yet,” said Penn. “It’s not over yet baby.”

Rodriquez is the #10 contender. Given the pressure the UFC is under to realize a return on the four billion dollar investment, title shots could come with unusual speed if it will put asses in seats. A dominant win could conceivably position Penn for a shot at the winner of Aldo vs. the winner of Holloway vs. Pettis. One more win for Penn could seal it.