• UFC on Fox 5

BJ Penn returns craving greatness

ESPN staff
November 28, 2012
BJ Penn was beaten by Nick Diaz last year © Getty Images
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BJ Penn claims his motivation ahead of his fight with Rory MacDonald is to ensure he is talked about as a great of the UFC.

Penn has claimed UFC titles at lightweight and welterweight, but he has just one win from his previous five fights. He has not fought for over a year, when beaten by Nick Diaz at UFC 137.

Some felt that was the end of a great career, but Penn claims he has unfinished business and wants to be talked about once more.

Speaking ahead of his fight with MacDonald at UFC on Fox 5, Penn said: "I actually texted Dana (White, UFC president) a while back and said, 'Dana, I watch all these interviews and all these people talking and no one says my name when they talk about the greatest fighters anymore and I really don't like that.'

"That really bothers me. I know that's my fault. I know I'm the reason why people don't talk about me when they talk about GSP or Anderson Silva."

Penn admits his comeback was motivated by the lack of recognition he has had in recent times. He said: "My name was always in the mix, it's never in the mix anymore and I told Dana I had a real problem with that. That was actually a big part of my motivation to come back and look strong and do a good fight here on December 8th.

"I want to be known as one of the best. I don't want to sit here and sound like I want more admiration, but I still think I have something left to accomplish."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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