BJ Penn has built up a UFC legacy so great that even his upcoming opponent in UFC Fight Night Manila is looking forward just to have the opportunity to fight him.
Featherweight contender Ricardo Lamas said his October 15 match against the Hall of Famer is an experience he would share with the rest of his kin.
“It means a lot, there are a very few guys who have this opportunity to fight a guy with BJ’s caliber,” said Lamas Wednesday at Conrad Hotel.
Penn, who held the welterweight and lightweight titles, is just one of the two UFC fighters who’ve won belts in multiple divisions, the other is Randy Couture who won the heavyweight and light heavyweight championships.
“I will pass on these memories to my son,” said the 34-year-old Lamas. “This is one of the memories that I will pass on to my sons and grandsons.”
Lamas is enthralled to be matched up with Penn that he even likened the bout to the legendary Thrilla in Manila when Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier slugged it out in what is arguably the greatest boxing fight in history.
“This is the new Thrilla in Manila against the two-time world champion.”
Lamas and Penn will headline the second UFC fight card in Manila that will be held at Mall of Asia Arena.