White: B.J. Penn is UFC's most underachieving fighter
B.J. Penn's illustrious career could have been even better, according to UFC president Dana White.
Asked by TMZ Sports to name a talented fighter who didn't reach their potential, White took a moment to think before throwing out Penn's name.
"B.J. Penn probably should have been one of the best to ever do it," said White. "But B.J. was so talented ... I don't know. I think B.J., in his own words, would go back and do things differently if he could."
Though Penn was occasionally criticized for not always being in prime shape for his fights, he accomplished plenty in his 13-year MMA career.
He is one of only two fighters to claim UFC titles in two divisions, and he has wins over Takanori Gomi, Matt Hughes, Jens Pulver, and Sean Sherk under his belt.
In a recent list of the UFC's 200 best fighters compiled by fans, fighters, media, and various experts, Penn came in at No. 7.