BJ Penn’s return has once again been delayed
With 11 days left before UFC’s second foray into Mega Manila, the co-headliner for the event has been forced out.
Multiple reports have confirmed that “The Prodigy” BJ Penn (16-10-2) has suffered an injury he incurred during training. Due to this, he has been forced out of the main event of UFC Fight Night Manila 2. He was scheduled to face number six-ranked featherweight in the world Ricardo “The Bully” Lamas (16-5).
Penn’s withdrawal has yet to be confirmed by the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Moreover it is still unclear if the UFC can find an opponent to replace Penn.
37 year old BJ Penn, who is one of just two fighters to ever hold UFC world championships in two different weight divisions, was supposed to make his return bout for the event, taking a two-year hiatus after falling to Frankie Edgar – his third straight defeat. Penn tried to return to competition but had been suspended by USADA, an athletics regulatory board in America, due to IV use.
UFC Fight Night Manila 2: Lamas vs. Penn takes place on Saturday, October 15 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. The event’s co-headliner is a heavyweight bout pitting Derrick Lewis and Marcin Tybura. Filipino flyweight Jenel Lausa is also slated to make his UFC debut in the undercard.
