Penn eager to avenge loss to St. Pierre

BJ Penn has dominated the Ultimate Fighting Championship's lightweight division for the better part of two years.

He has stopped all three opponents since his return to the 155-pound class in 2007, submitting two contenders to earn the lightweight title and successfully defending it with a knockout of former champion Sean Sherk in May.

It is possible that he could control the division for the foreseeable future and cement his reputation as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time.

Instead, Penn will return to the 170-pound welterweight division, where he lost his last two fights before dropping back down to lightweight. And he will do it against Georges St. Pierre, the welterweight champion who earned a split decision over Penn in March 2006, in the main event of the sold-out UFC card at the MGM Grand on Saturday night.

"You could be BJ Penn and you can stay at 155 pounds and keep winning, but what's the real cherry on the top of your career? (You) beat Georges St. Pierre," UFC president Dana White said. "Plus, he lost to him once in a controversial decision. He wants this fight."

Should Penn avenge the loss, he would become the first fighter in UFC history to simultaneously hold belts in two weight classes. He said the opportunity to do that against another of the biggest names in the sport was too good to pass up.

"The history with the two titles would be great, but it's more about Georges," Penn said. "If I won it from some paper champion, it wouldn't mean anything."

It's also a chance for the 30-year-old Penn to avenge one of just three losses he has suffered in his career.

"This is it. I've lived with (that) fight and this rivalry for all these years," Penn said. "Now it's time to do this."

White agreed, saying the timing of the fight is right not just for Penn but for fans of the sport.

"This is a 'superfight.' There were so many big fights in boxing that should have happened (sooner), but when it finally did, you didn't want to see it anymore," White said.

Penn admits to watching video of his loss to St. Pierre when he needs a boost.

"I just look at that fight to pump myself up every once in a while," he said.

However, he insists he is not dwelling on the loss.

"I accept what happened the first time. It's part of my life," he said. "Now's my chance to redeem myself."

Even though he won the first fight, St. Pierre is not willing to concede the fact that Penn is more motivated this time around.

"I don't think he's more motivated than me," the 27-year-old Canadian said. "I started training in September; I've done my homework. For me, it's the most important fight of my career. I've made mistakes in the past regarding motivation, but it will never happen again."

Penn, who is nicknamed "The Prodigy" because of his natural talents for the sport, did hold the UFC welterweight title once before.

He submitted Matt Hughes in January 2004 to earn the belt but promptly left the UFC due to a contract disagreement.

Should he win Saturday night, he will face a different problem -- deciding which of his belts to defend first.

Contact reporter Adam Hill at ahill@ reviewjournal.com or 702-224-5509.