Yair Rodriguez not feeling B.J. Penn's anger: 'We're going to fight anyway'

PHOENIX – The UFC Fight Night 103 headliner between Yair Rodriguez and B.J. Penn isn’t exactly a grudge match, but “The Prodigy” isn’t exactly interested in making friends in the cage, either.

But Rodriguez insists he isn’t letting any potential animosity affect his approach to their main event matchup.

UFC Fight Night 103 takes place Sunday at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix. The main card airs on FS1 following prelims on FS1 and UFC Fight Pass.

Earlier this week, Penn (16-10-2 MMA, 12-9-2 UFC) told MMAjunkie that his fight with Rodriguez (8-1 MMA, 5-0 UFC) was going to look like a professional taking on an amateur. “The Prodigy” also said he wasn’t sure why it seemed Rodriguez wanted to shake his hand when the two crossed paths at the host hotel.

http://mmajunkie.com/2017/01/ufc-fight-night-103-headliner-b-j-penn-im-all-in-were-going-for-the-145-pound-title

Rodriguez said he saw the comments and doesn’t understand the reason for Penn’s approach.

“He’s an expert, like he said,” Rodriguez told MMAjunkie. “He’s pretty good at what he does, and I respect him so much. The way that he talks isn’t going to change the way that I think about him. He said he’s a professional and he’s been in dozens of fights, and he’s acting like an amateur for now. For me, I’m not mad with him.”

Rodriguez and Penn both worked out for fans and media earlier today. Rodriguez, who is quickly becoming the face of Mexican MMA – even at just 24 years old – had plenty of support as he put on the aerial display of creative attacks that has become his signature.

But Penn is MMA royalty, and there’s no question the gathered crowd enjoyed seeing one of MMA’s pioneers seemingly back in vintage form.

Rodriguez insisted he’s got just as much respect for Penn as anyone else, and he’s not going to buy into the hype. The bout agreements have been signed, and Sunday is quickly approaching. Rodriguez doesn’t need another reason to step into the cage.

“I actually respect him so much; I don’t know why he’s mad,” Rodriguez said of Penn before addressing him directly. “Man, I (expletive), I appreciate you. I respect you so much. I don’t know why you’re mad with me.

“I didn’t do anything to you. I respect you. But if you’re mad, what can I do? We’re going to fight anyway. So if you want to punch me in the face, it’s what we do.”

Check out the video above to see highlights from Rodriguez’s workout. Or click on the video below to see his full interview.

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