UFC Lightweight Champion BJ Penn's third title defense has been confirmed to be against Diego Sanchez and is scheduled for UFC 107 on Saturday, December 12th live from Memphis, TN according to Penn's website.
The bout had been rumored for some time, ever since Penn vanquished top lightweight contender Kenny Florian at UFC 101: Declaration at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia. Sanchez seemed to be the next in line and all that had to be done was to find a time and a place that worked for both parties. Apparently December 12th was that date.
Sanchez is fresh off two impressive wins in his first two fights since making the cut to 155 pounds from the welterweight division of 170 pounds. The first coming against Joe Stevenson, outpointing the former title challenger in January, and then "Nightmare" followed it up with another impressive unanimous decision win over Clay Guida in June.
"Nightmare" will be looking to do what no other fighter at 155 has done -- defeat BJ Penn. Penn looks to be re-dedicated in the sport and at his weight class since moving a portion of his training camp to California in the build-up for his fight against Florian. He has said he wants to cement his legacy in the sport, be the best lightweight and seems to be completely driven to do just that.
Will Penn (12-5-1) be able to slow down Sanchez (23-2) and continue his dominance at 155 or will Sanchez be able to do the unthinkable and dethrone Penn? We'll find out at UFC 107.
Also rumored to be on the 107 card is a Light Heavyweight No. 1 contender war between The Ultimate Fighter season 10 coaches Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and Rashad Evans as well as a heavyweight tilt between Frank Mir and Cheick Kongo.
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