.
.

BJ Penn On UFC Comeback,Training @ Nova Uniao & The Complications Of One Day Possibly Facing Aldo

BJ Penn On UFC Comeback,Training @ Nova Uniao & The Complications Of One Day Possibly Facing Aldo

 

penn

BJ Penn recently appeared on BJPENN.COM RADIO with Editor In Chief Pedro Carrasco, for a wide-ranging interview ahead of his TUF 19 coaching slot opposite Frankie Edgar at 145 pounds:

“I do feel kind of like a little bit of a rebirth type feeling, getting another opportunity like this to be on the Ultimate Fighter and going up against somebody like Frankie Edgar,” said Penn. “It kind of reminds me of the position that I was put in with Pulver a few years ago (TUF 5) where he beat me, then I got to go on TUF and go against him and it’s just amazing how this all got put together. But, as far as The Ultimate Fighter show goes, we’re just going to have to let that work itself out. We’re going to see what happens. I’m sure there’s going to be some fun things going on.”

“The way it got put together, me and Dana were talking about fighting again and he asked ‘Why do you want to fight again, man?’ I’m like, ‘Maybe a couple good fights and maybe see if I can earn my shot back up and maybe get a chance to redeem myself against Frankie.’ And at that time, of course that wasn’t on anyone’s radar, BJ Penn and Frankie Edgar. I’m sure it wasn’t on Frankie’s. I was kind of thinking about it, of course because he beat me and I want to get another shot at him, of course, everybody always thinks like that.”

“Dana said he was having some problems getting the Ultimate Fighter show because they didn’t know if they were going to do it at 135 or 145 and it was going back and forth. He was like, ‘You know what? if you really want to fight Edgar, why don’t you just do The Ultimate Fighter?’ We talked about it and then now we’re flying up to Vegas next week to talk to Dana about it.”

About his training in Brazil at Nova Uniao:

“Yes, that will happen. We’re going to Nova Uniao, Brazil and like I said, we’re not trying to let this slip away. And I’m sure Frankie isn’t either. So, Frankie knows that if BJ really wants to avenge his loss and this and that, this is BJ’s chance. I know Frankie’s coming (prepared for the fight). You know, I really do wish this fight was at 155 lbs. Nothing to do with the weight, it’s just I really feel that Frankie hasn’t lost yet. He’s right up there, and I feel everybody says I’m supposed to be the greatest at lightweight. Frankie beat me twice. Frankie never really lost yet. Pettis is the new champ, you got all these new guys coming. Well if Frankie and me are the old guys, maybe who walks out of that ring will be one of the best lightweights of all time. We’re going to find out.”

If he beats Edgar, would he be fighting Aldo?

“I know it’s really weird for a lot of people in America to understand this, but I’ve always been a loyal guy to my Jiu-Jitsu King. Ever since Jose Aldo has hit the scene and just went on an absolute tear has busted everybody up, I never had any intentions of fighting Jose Aldo. At this point, if I fight Jose Aldo who am I fighting? I’m fighting Andre Pederneiras. I’m fighting the man who gave me my black belt. It’s just not a comfortable feeling for me. Me and Andre Pederneiras will have to sit down and talk. Jose Aldo is going to have to sit down and talk. I know Jose Aldo was just about to fight Anthony Pettis. Now, is Jose Aldo going to go up to 155 and fight Anthony Pettis or is he going to stay at 145 and defend his belt? I think with some of the decisions Aldo will make, will help me make some of my decisions myself.”

Read entire interview