• UFC 127

Penn's only target is the welterweight crown - Zelaznik

ESPN staff
February 20, 2011
BJ Penn has a point to prove at UFC 127 © Getty Images
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BJ Penn is only thinking about the UFC welterweight division, even though he has major revenge to exact on current lightweight champion Frankie Edgar.

Penn heads into a real 'pick-em' fight with Jon Fitch at UFC 127, knowing victory could land him the chance to become welterweight king for the second time in his career.

It is an odd situation for The Prodigy, who moved up to the 170lb division after twice losing championship bouts to Edgar. Such setbacks leave question marks over Penn's future plans, with suggestions that he could float between divisions, but UFC chief Marshall Zelaznik has no doubt about what currently dominates Penn's mind.

"This is massive for BJ. He put his stamp on the welterweight division with the knockout of Matt Hughes and is looking to get back in line for the important fights," Zelaznik told ESPN. "Jon Fitch is the same, he desperately wants that title shot and knows he needs to prove he is worthy of it.

"There's so much on the line. I spent a week with the two of them in Australia and you can tell they appreciate how much is on the line for them.

"GSP (Georges St-Pierre) talks about going up to middleweight and he says that once he is there, he will stay there due to the weight fluctuation. BJ seems to be able to float between the weight classes.

"There are so many interesting match-ups for BJ, but right now a charge at the welterweight title is the only thing on his mind."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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