UFC
UFC trying to set up B.J. Penn vs. Josh Koscheck for Penn's return to action
May 17, 2012 - 11:05:33 AM UFC trying to set up B.J. Penn vs. Josh Koscheck for Penn's return to action

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

The UFC is trying to get B.J. Penn back into the cage, and they've got an opponent ready and waiting for him if he decides to take end his shaky retirement.

Josh Koscheck.

The 34-year-old, fresh off a close decision loss to Johny Hendricks at UFC on Fox 3 earlier this month, revealed on Twitter that the UFC had offered him a fight with Penn and that he has accepted it. In a bit of a public callout, and with Penn left to respond, Koscheck added, "let's scrap, bra?"

A dejected Penn claimed he was likely retiring following a beating at the hands of Nick Diaz last October at UFC 137. The former two-division UFC Champ continued to hint that he would stay away from the cage in interviews over the last several months; however, last month, UFC President Dana White revealed that the UFC and Penn had been in conversations about him wanting to return.

If Penn accepts, the fight is likely to come in August or September, marking a 10 to 11 month hiatus for "The Prodigy."

Penick's Analysis: This is a fight that would definitely work well for Penn's return. He fought Koscheck's teammate and friend Jon Fitch to a draw last February, and depending on the shape in which he returns he could still be a formidable opponent. I'm sure many would like to see Penn get back to the lightweight division, but as he's been out of action for months, his return was always likely to be at welterweight. I doubt he's been keeping in tip top fighting shape when he's been unsure if he was returning. Still, this is a solid, name value return fight and if he accepts it we'll see how much he's got left in the tank.

[B.J. Penn art by Cory Gould (c) MMATorch.com]