BJ Penn: I'll Beat Frankie Edgar Convincingly And Get Right Back In The Mix

BJ Penn will always be remembered as one of the early greats of mixed martial arts. Penn was the first American to win a jiu jitsu world championship, he is the only fighter to win both the welterweight and lightweight UFC titles. “The Prodigy” is also only the second man in history to hold two UFC title simultaneously.

I think it’s fair to say that Penn has had one of the greatest careers in the sport and as we know, he ain’t ready to settle down quite just yet.

Penn is set to take on the first man to beat him in the lightweight division in eight years, Frankie Edgar. Edgar first fought Penn for his lightweight strap back in 2010, at UFC 112. “The Answer” won a very close fight and a rematch was immediately booked for August that year.

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The two met for their rematch at UFC 118, Edgar went on to win a dominant decision that time and Penn hasn’t fought at 155lbs since. Then following back to back losses to Nick Diaz and Rory Macdonld at welterweight, Penn briefly retired. But that retirement didn’t last for long.

In September last year it was announced that Penn and Edgar had been signed up as coaches for season 18 of TUF and would square off in a trilogy after the show, the fight would be fought in the featherweight division.

Many questioned Penn’s reasons for coming out of retirement, given his list of accomplishments in the sport. Penn says he just wants another shot at Edgar. “The Prodigy” explained his motive in a recent video interview from with his sponsor RVCA.

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“I came out of retirement because I wanted to fight Frankie Edgar again. I believe I can do better than what I showed fighting with him the second time. When I got the opportunity, it was just a no brainer.”

Many people wonder how well Penn will making the featherweight division, given the fact that he’s never fought below 155lbs. Penn has even competed at 191lbs early on in his career, fighting against Lyoto Machida. Penn says he feels great at the moment and thinks the move could possibly be the best thing that could happen to him.

“I’m going to be fighting Frankie Edgar at 145 pounds. I’ve never been to that weight before, but I feel great. It’s a new chance to show what I got. I’m very excited. Maybe 145 is the best thing that ever happened to me. We’re gonna find out.”

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If Penn manages to defy odds and beat Edgar he will go straight into title contention at featherweight. And that’s exactly what “The Prodigy” plans to do.

“I think I’ll beat Frankie convincingly and I think we’ll be right back in the top in the mix with everybody else.”

Confident words from “The Prodigy”. Do you think he can beat Edgar a third time round?

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