UFC Hall of Famer B.J. Penn wants 'to show everybody who the real hero is in the UFC'

PHOENIX – UFC Hall of Famer B.J. Penn is widely regarded as one of the best fighters in MMA history, but it was also assumed his best days might be behind.

“The Prodigy” doesn’t see it that way, at all.

“I’m definitely enjoying this,” Penn told MMAjunkie at today’s open workout session ahead of UFC Fight Night 103.. “I’m very comfortable. I’ve got a lot of experience, and as I get older, the experience lets me settle in. This is almost like something new.

Penn (16-10-2 MMA, 12-9-2 UFC) takes on fast-rising featherweight prospect Yair Rodriguez (8-1 MMA, 5-0 UFC) in the main event of Sunday’s UFC Fight Night 103 event. The card takes place at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix. The main card airs on FS1 following prelims on FS1 and UFC Fight Pass.

For Penn, it’s his first UFC appearance since a July 2014 loss to Frankie Edgar in a previous failed comeback attempt. But Penn, 38, seems different this time around. He’s both simultaneously relaxed and energized. He seems focused on the task at hand but also very careful to enjoy the present moment.

That attitude was on full display at today’s workouts, with Penn soaking up the chants of his name and taking time after the session to take pictures and sign autographs for every fan in attendance, despite the sizable time commitment.

Afterward, he said the energy from the fans was just added fuel to his growing fire.

“I’m back,” Penn said. “It’s been so long, but as soon as I come out, I feel them. They feel me. I feed off of them. They’re everything. That’s why I’m back.

“I do love the confrontation and all that stuff, but I love the fans. That’s why I’m here.”

Of course, Penn’s attitude could change on Sunday. Another loss for the former two-division UFC champion could easily stifle any discussions of a sustained comeback. But for now, Penn insists he’s got his eyes on nothing less than a run at another championship.

For proof of his sincerity, Penn recounted the conversation with UFC President Dana White that led to the Hawaiian’s return to the cage.

“I said, ‘I want to show everybody who the real hero is in the UFC,'” Penn said. “He texted me back, ‘Are you crazy? Are you crazy, B.J.?’

“I go, ‘No, I’m not crazy. I’m ready.’ So here we are today.”

To see some of Penn’s workout, check out the video above. Or for his entire interview, click on the video below.

For more on UFC Fight Night 103, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.