By Kelsey Mowatt
BJ Penn wasted little time putting an end to his rubber match with Matt Hughes last night, as the former lightweight and welterweight champ quickly put away Hughes with a series of right hands, to end his two fight losing streak. Speaking at the post-fight press conference in Auburn Hills, Michigan, UFC President Dana White was quick to credit Penn for his inspired performance.
“I think he looks good at 170 and always has,” said White. “I think when he walked into the Octagon tonight he had that crazy talking to himself, swearing to himself, hyped up, looked like he had energy, looked like he was ready to go, like the old BJ. He didn’t look that way at 155lbs.”
Penn acknowledge he was pumped up for the bout, evidenced by the fact that the veteran had to be convinced to return to the Octagon, after running out of it to celebrate his KO win.
“I felt fired up as soon as Dana gave me the phone call that I was going to fight Matt Hughes,” Penn stated. “I don’t know, me and Matt put on great fights and I’m just happy it went that way.”
Naturally, due to Penn’s successful performance in his welterweight return, what division the decorated veteran will compete in was one of the central, post-fight topics.
“For the first time in my career I’m going to let Dana make that call,” Penn added. “Whatever Dana wants we’ll go with that.”
While White did not specifically address when and who Penn will fight next in the post-fight presser, according to a report from Yahoo Sports, the UFC President stated that he will try to match Penn up against welterweight contender Jon Fitch, February 27th. Fitch was expected to face Jake Ellenberger on February 5th.
With last night's victory, Penn extended his record to 16-7, while former welterweight champion Matt Hughes saw his drop to 45-8.
