BJ Penn to return to the Octagon

[Test]

espn.go.com/mma/story/_/id/7887836/former-champion-bj-penn-announces-return-retirement

NEW YORK -- Former UFC welterweight/lightweight champion B.J. Penn has ended his retirement and will return to the Octagon, promotion president Dana White said Thursday.

"B.J. hit me about a month ago," White said during a news conference to promote UFC on Fox 3, which will be held Saturday night in East Rutherford, N.J. "I saw him in Sweden (during an April 14 event) and he wants to come back."

Despite revealing his intention to fight again, White has neither set a date nor an opponent for Penn.

"That's up to him; whenever he's ready," White said of Penn's return date. "I don't ever push guys. Guys know when they are ready; guys know when they're ready to come back.

"Guys let me know when they are ready to fight."

The only certainty is that Penn will compete at welterweight.

"I'm done with telling (Penn) where to go as far as weight goes." White said. "The guy has handled himself in both weight divisions. You get to an age where cutting down to 155 doesn't make sense anymore."

I'm glad he'll be fighting again.

[comptonassjer]

Yes good to see BJ coming back!

[silky333]

I am skeptical of his return, Is his head in it, or is he struggling with motivation? This is an issue of his. Don't want to see him take a whoopin again. IMO his legacy is set, and he will be regarded highly. Just don't want another Chuck Liddel, Mirko Crocop situation.