BJ Penn vs Kenny Florian to finally happen at UFC 101

Finally, a news story about BJ "The Prodigy" Penn (13-5-1 MMA, 9-4-1 UFC) that doesn't involve vaseline or NSAC testimony. BJ Penn has announced through his website, that he plans on signing a fight contract to defend his Lightweight belt against TUF alumni Kenny Florian (11-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) at UFC 101 Aug. 8 at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia.

Ever since his mega fight with George St. Pierre, BJ Penn has been at center of the greasegate controversy drawing a lot of criticism from hardcore MMA fans. BJ, seems ready to put that behind him for now and concentrate on defending his title against the much improved Florian.

While BJ Penn was moving up to chase his Welterweight ambitions Kenny Florian has put together an impressive six fight win streak and has climbed to the top of a very competitive Lightweight division. Florian, is excited to be back in title contention after losing to Sean Sherk for the interim Lightweight title at UFC 64 "It has been a long road back and I am very grateful for the opportunity. Rarely does one get the chance to fight for a championship belt in the UFC and it's even more infrequent to fight a legend".

For both men, UFC 101 will be a chance at redemption. Penn, needs to remind people why he is one of the P4P best fighters in the world regardless of an athletic commissions decision. Florian, who has always been underrated has a chance to prove that he has become an elite fighter and a win over BJ Penn, will solidify a place at the table amongst the best.

Here is the unedited post from BJ Penn's official website about his decision to fight Kenny Florian at UFC 101.

UFC Lightweight Champion BJ Penn is set to defend his lightweight title against number one contender Kenny Florian. The newly agreed upon match is set to Headline UFC 101 in Philadelphia, PA on August 8th 2009.

The Challenger, Kenny "Kenflo" Florian, is currently riding a six fight win streak inside the octagon. Most recently dispatching Joe Stevenson via RNC in round 1 at UFC 91. Florian has made it no secret that he desires his second shot at the lightweight title. Most recently stating on ESPNS MMA Live,

"At the end of the day, I just want this fight to be signed. Let's get an event, let's get a date, and let's make it happen."

The Champion, BJ "The Prodigy" Penn, has not been down to lightweight to defend his title since UFC 84, in May of 2008, when he beat Sean Sherk via TKO at the end of the third round. When I asked BJ about the upcoming bout he simply said,

"I look forward to the challenge."

According to our sources here within Team Penn, Florian has already signed the bout agreement for this fight. As for BJ, we received the bout agreement this afternoon and plan on making this fight happen.

More as it becomes available.