B.J. Penn, Rory MacDonald Discussing Fighting at UFC on FOX 5 in December

Lex McMahon

By Ariel Helwani - Video Reporter and Writer

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Aug 10, 2012 - By now you know that Rory MacDonald vs. B.J. Penn won't take place at UFC 152, so the question remains: will the welterweights still face off later this year, and if so, when?

According to MacDonald's manager Lex McMahon, talks are underway of having MacDonald vs. Penn headline UFC on FOX 5 on Dec. 8.
"I've been in communication with B.J.'s camp and UFC," McMahon said, "the idea of fighting on the FOX card has been part of these discussions. Our position is that Rory will fight B.J. as soon as he is healed and had a reasonable period to train.

"The possibility of headlining the FOX card in December is attractive as it provides a great platform to showcase the return of B.J. Penn, one of our sport's icons, as well as to introduce the mainstream fans to one of brightest young stars in the form of Rory. At this juncture nothing has been agreed upon, but needless to say Rory and his team would welcome the opportunity to fight B.J. Penn on FOX as the main event."
Nate Quarry mentioned the possibility of the 170-pound fight taking place at UFC on FOX 5 on Thursday's episode of "MMA Uncensored Live."

Over the past week, Penn suggested having the fight on Oct. 13 in Rio de Janeiro, while MacDonald asked for Nov. 17 in Montreal, however, McMahon said he was told those cards are full (as far as the top fights are concerned), which would leave either the FOX card or UFC 155 on Dec. 29 as the only options to host the fight this year.

A venue for UFC on FOX 5 has yet to be officially announced by the promotion. MacDonald pulled out of the fight last week due to a cut sustained in training.