The much awaited return of the former UFC Lightweight and Welterweight Champion BJ Penn is set to feature in the main event against the Mexican phenom Yair Rodriguez at Talking Stick Resort Arena on January 15. Phoenix will be hosting the UFC event after more than two years, and the UFC Fight Night 103 card will feature some great fighters.

The 37-year-old’s opponent Rodriguez is the winner of season 1 of the Ultimate Fighter and he is currently unbeaten in 5 UFC fights. His most famous wins came against Charles Rosa and Andre Fili, in which he was awarded Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night awards.

The two time champion in two different weight classes is hungry for more and want to take his belt again. Even though “The Prodigy” is much older than his 24-year-old opponent but in terms of experience there aren’t many that can surpass him. it’s been more than six years since he last won in the Octagon, Penn has a huge mountain to climb. Only time will tell if his decision to come back proves to be fruitful or end in a disaster.

In preparation for this bout, the legend (16-10-2) has been training in Albuquerque.

Penn said: “I want to let everybody know I belong here, you’re always trying to prove to yourself. I was hitting the bag 50 minutes straight, and my coach looked at me and said, ‘I can’t believe it. I’m in shock. Where the f–k were you the last five years? Right when you think it’s done, that’s when you get it started.”

Penn believes 2017 is going to be a big year for him. The 5-foot-9 fighter’s last fight resulted in a defeat two years ago against Frankie Edgar in Las Vegas. His fans would be hoping his return will bring back happy memories for him.