Penn 'guarantees' return at UFC 196 on March 5

B.J. Penn is aiming to join a loaded UFC 196 card on March 5, Ariel Helwani reported on FOX Sports' "UFC Tonight."

The 37-year-old Penn, a pioneer of MMA who still resonates with fight fans, won't meet Nik Lentz, however, despite a heated feud that recently developed between the two. Lentz's various demands and relative obscurity ensured the fighters wouldn't be a compatible pairing.

It's now likely Penn will meet Dennis Siver, a veteran of 20 UFC fights. The Russian-German kickboxer has just one win in his last five appearances.

The UFC has yet to officially announce an opponent for Penn.