Dana White Says B.J. Penn “Won’t Fight Again”, Following Former Champ’s Latest Street Fight Incident
By FCF Staff
B.J. Penn was expected to return to the Octagon for one more bout later this year. But, following the release of videos that documented Penn in a street fight, UFC President Dana White is reporting the legend will not fight for the promotion again.
Recently TMZ shared out videos that showed Penn in a street fight in Hawaii, and in one of the videos, he was knocked down or out. Since then, Penn has claimed he did not instigate the incident and that he tried to diffuse the situation.
White was recently interviewed by ESPN, and he was asked about the incident involving Penn, and the hall of famer’s future. White said this (quotes via MMA Fighting):
“He won’t fight again. That’s it. It’s a wrap.”
“It’s not even that this was the last straw,” White said. “I didn’t love him continuing to fight anyway, but we having the relationship that he and I have and he’s getting me on the phone, begging me for another fight, begging me for another opportunity, it’s hard for me to turn him down, but after what I saw on that video, B.J. needs to focus on his personal life and get himself together before he thinks about fighting again.
“Listen, I don’t wanna sit here on TV and pick B.J. apart on his life or whatever. I think that we all know what B.J. Penn needs to do and hopefully B.J. Penn knows what B.J. Penn needs to do. Not gonna sit here like I’m his father or I’m some guy who’s above him and pointing the finger at B.J. and B.J. needs to do this and that. What I saw in that video was sad. I love the kid and I hope he gets his life together.”
The 40 year-old Penn, who has lost seven straight fights, was also reportedly involved in an altercation with a strip club bouncer earlier this year. Penn’s former partner, and the mother of his children, has also accused Penn of domestic violence. The Hawaiian fighter and former champion has denied the allegations.