• UFC

Penn continues war of words with Gracie

ESPN staff
January 7, 2012
BJ Penn lost his last UFC fight to Nick Diaz at UFC 137 © Getty Images
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BJ Penn's possible comeback gathered momentum after the former UFC welterweight champion continued his war of words with Nick Diaz's trainer Cesar Gracie.

Penn, who announced his retirement following his defeat to Diaz last year, provoked speculation he was considering a return to the Octagon after sending an angry message at former opponent Diaz on Twitter.

There is no love lost between the pair, with Penn and Diaz having to be separated at their weigh-in ahead of UFC 137, but Gracie leapt to Diaz's defence, claiming Penn had "apparently not come to terms with the beating he received at the hands of Nick Diaz".

"At some point it is up to those around you to protect you from yourself," said the response on GracieFighter.com. "To take you aside and let you know you are wrong and help save you from your folly. Unfortunately for Penn he is surrounded by 'Yes Men' that are unwilling to do that. The outcome will be predictable, resulting in a fighter that will never push himself to the fullest and will always have excuses for his losses."

Penn, who was offered the chance to train with Gracie's outfit toward the end of last year, was not willing to let the dispute end there, and he responded angrily on Twitter, claiming he had no excuses for his Diaz defeat and even threatened the Brazilian.

"Excuses?? The whole world knows I lost the fight including myself. I'm tired of you talking down to me Cesar, I hope you're in training camp right now because the next time I see you, you better not be "scared homie," Penn warned Gracie.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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