BJ Penn willing to fight Bendo first as stepping stone for Edgar Trilogy

Dana White has told a small of group of reporters in Brazil about BJ Penn’s original plans before dropping to featherweight. He said that Penn originally asked for a fight with Benson Henderson as stepping stone for a trilogy with Frankie Edgar. Dana then decided that the former 2 division champion didn’t need to take an extra step. He asked Frankie if he wanted to fight BJ again and pitted them against each other as head coaches of the upcoming TUF season.

The two fighters have not been on a very good run. BJ Penn has only won once in his last 7 outings, a KO of the night win over Matt Hughes way back in 2010.  The win is after his back to back decision losses to Frankie Edgar.  After that fight he fought Jon Fitch to a draw and loss another two decisions in the hands of Nick Diaz and Rory McDonald.

Frankie Edgar has won his last fight via unanimous decision over Charles Oliveira. The win snapped his 3 fight losing skid that includes back to back losses to Benson Henderson and a decision loss in his featherweight debut against Jose Aldo.

Dana White believes that both fighters will have something to bring in the table come fight night.

“Frankie Edgar is saying he’s going to retire B.J. Penn once and for all, and B.J. Penn is saying, ‘I know I can beat Frankie Edgar, and I’m going to beat him,'” White said. “They’ll both be great coaches (next) season – they’re great coaches, and then we’ll get the fight.”

The two are expected to mentor middleweight and light heavyweight hopefuls in the season 19 of The Ultimate Fighter. It will be Penn’s second appearance as coach, his first being The Ultimate Fighter 5, opposite Jens Pulver.

[Photos by mmacrypt.com]

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