One of BJ Penn’s former foes thought he was still ‘sour’ over his losses to Georges St-Pierre.
The UFC Hall of Famer fought at several different weight classes during his legendary career, including lightweight, the division where he is regarded as one of the greatest to ever do it.
Once the lightweight champion of the world, Penn tried to become the promotion’s first simultaneous two-division champion when he rematched Georges St-Pierre for the welterweight title in 2009. Penn lost to the Canadian via corner stoppage at the end of round 4.
Years later, Penn found himself in a fight with another Canadian, a protege of St-Pierre’s who Penn refused to believe was all natural.
Rory MacDonald accepted drug test after BJ Penn accused him of steroids
In 2012, Penn was matched up against welterweight Rory MacDonald at UFC on FOX 5.
13-1 at the time, MacDonald said Penn was ‘talking all kinds of smack’ prior to the fight, even accusing him of taking steroids.
“It was just stupid stuff,” MacDonald said of Penn’s pre-fight comments.
“I think because George and him had kind of a rivalry. They had two fights, and I think he was still a bit sour about it that George beat him,” MacDonald said.
“So, he was like saying like, ‘Oh, that kid’s on steroids…’ this and that.
“He even challenged me to do like a private drug testing, which I accepted and proved him wrong,” MacDonald said.
Both Penn and MacDonald agreed to drug tests by VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency) in the lead-up to their welterweight fight. This was before the UFC’s Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) was in place.
On fight night, MacDonald ended up defeating Penn via unanimous decision, handing him back-to-back losses.
Rory MacDonald wishes he would have fought Nick Diaz
MacDonald fought the who’s who of the UFC welterweight division.
The former UFC title challenger has shared the cage with the likes of Robbie Lawler, Tyron Woodley, Carlos Condit, Nate Diaz, Stephen Thompson—the list goes on.
MacDonald was asked about the one fight that got away from him.
“I think there would have been a few more guys I would have liked to fight,” MacDonald said.
“I would’ve liked to fight Nick Diaz,” MacDonald revealed.
“Out of respect…
“If he hears it, he’s probably going to get offended,” MacDonald added.
MacDonald beat Nick Diaz’s younger brother, Nate, in 2011.