Any Takers? Khabib Nurmagomedov and Evan Dunham immediately call out BJ Penn
When news broke that legendary UFC champion BJ Penn was indeed considering a return to the Octagon at his rightful home of lightweight, it brought out a mixed bag of emotions. Some of his fans wanted him to stay retired, while others want ‘The Prodigy’ to return and make another run in the division best suited for him.
And if he were to return, it appears there’s no shortage of prospective opponents available, as surging lightweight prospect Khabib Nurmagomedov tweeted a callout of Penn:
Iheard that the legend returns .. I will be glad to meet him @danawhite @bjpenndotcom @ufc @arielhelwani
— khabib nurmagomedov (@khabib13) June 5, 2013
He is the best lightweight fighter in the history, I’m his fan since childhood, I deserve this fight @danawhite @arielhelwani @bjpenndotcom
— khabib nurmagomedov (@khabib13) June 5, 2013
Nurmagomedov has looked impressive in racking up win after win, most recently slamming Abel Trujillo around at the UFC 160 prelims. There’s no doubt that he deserves a tougher test, and Penn would definitely fit the bill for that. But Evan Dunham, fresh off a controversial loss to Rafael Dos Anjos that many thought he won, would also like to step into the Octagon with Penn:
With all respect if BJ Penn needs an opponent when he returns I am more than will. Would be an honor to fight him. @ufc
— Evan Dunham (@evandunham155) June 5, 2013
These two lightweights, although not top ten, are knocking on the door of that coveted status. A win over Penn would definitely put them there. However, Penn may be looking for a bigger name should he indeed return to the Octagon. Although Nurmagomedov and Dunham would be no easy walkover fights, and perhaps Penn could use someone other than a top five guy in his return bout, something tells me that BJ would be looking to fight marquee names or not at all.
Can he still hang with the elite of the 155 lb. division? He would have to show up in incredible shape, something that’s haunted Penn and maybe even prevented him from fully realizing his true potential. If he did get into shape, his obvious talent could maybe give him another run at the belt. What should ‘The Prodigy’s’ next move be?
