Some might believe that BJ Penn has been given more than any fighter in UFC history, and it’s hard to really argue. There’s no doubt that the UFC has taken Penn’s marketability and made use of it in promoting him in both the lightweight and welterweight divisions.
However, there was a time when Penn, as the champion in the welterweight division, got into a large contract dispute with White and the UFC. In a bold move, Penn decided to drop out of his contract with the UFC in favor of fighting overseas for more money.
Penn had ended Matt Hughes’ reign as a champion and had yet to make his first defense, but that didn’t stop him from leaving the promotion as the champion, forcing Dana White and the UFC to strip him of his title.
“I am looking forward to moving on and crowning a new champion,” White simply stated.
That quote alone doesn’t say much, but certainly, the company was unhappy with Penn. According to Penn, the UFC president called him and gave him an ear full.
‘“You’re f---ing done! You’ll never fight in the UFC again! You’re finished. You’re scorched earth, b----. Scorched earth. Don’t call me crying saying you want to come back because you’re f---ing done!”
Penn even alleges that White even threatened to remove him from the UFC 46 DVD where he beat Matt Hughes, so that no one would know who he was.
It’s hard to fault Dana for this one, but he certainly was not a happy camper on this occasion.
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