BJ Penn Returns from Suspension to Face Ricardo Lamas in UFC Philippines Headliner

BJ Penn will return to the UFC’s Octagon for the first time since July of 2014 in a headlining fight against Ricardo Lamas in Manila. UFC officials announced the bout early Monday morning.

Penn and Lamas will face off in a featured 145-pound bout at UFC Fight Night 97, which takes place on Oct. 15 in the Filipino capital’s Mall of Asia Arena.

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Penn (16-10-2) returns to the UFC after two years away. He intended on returning earlier this year, but was suspended by USADA for using an IV, a practice banned by the anti-doping agency. Penn’s return was also also slowed due to a legal investigation involving sexual assault allegations. The former UFC welterweight and lightweight champion hasn’t won a fight since November 2010.

Lamas (16-5) is also looking to get back on the winning track with the UFC Philippines card. In his last outing, the former featherweight title contender battled Max Holloway in a memorable fight, but came up short in a decision loss. Lamas is 1-2 in his last three fights.

More bouts are expected to be announced for the card in the coming weeks.

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