"Motivated" BJ Penn lives on in MMA lore, but UFC President Dana White believes that he could have been so much more.
TMZ cameras caught up with White, who was asked about UFC fighters who could have performed better than their resumes indicated. White knew the question was designed to make headlines, but didn't hesitate to name former UFC Lightweight Champion BJ Penn.
“That’s a loaded question. Listen, there’s guys and girls that probably don’t reach their potential, because they don’t -- BJ Penn. BJ Penn probably should have been one of the best ever, to ever do it. But, BJ was so talented, you know. I just… I don’t know. I think BJ, in his own words, would go back and do things differently if he could," White said
Penn was considered by many to be among the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world as recently as seven years ago, competing everywhere from 145 to 191 pounds. After coming into MMA and making his pro debut at 22 years old, Penn never exceeded a four-fight win streak.
Penn was originally scheduled to compete at UFC 197 and UFC 199, but was pulled from the fights due to assault allegations made towards him, as well as being flagged for a USADA violation for disclosing the use of an IV.
By Sean Ross Sapp
