B.J. Penn Receives License to Fight Frankie Edgar Pending Review of Cataract Surgery
Former two-division UFC champion B.J. Penn received a license on Tuesday for his Ultimate Fighter 19 Finale fight against Frankie Edgar, pending a review of his surgically repaired eye.
Penn applied for licensure with the Nevada State Athletic Commission, and the panel approved the license with the condition that the government agency's physician confer with a local expert who has knowledge of conditions similar to Penn's.
Penn underwent cataract surgery in February of 2013, and the fighter has since mulled the idea of retirement. Earlier this year, Penn agreed to return to fighting and signed to face Edgar in a trilogy fight.
Upon applying for the license, Penn was informed via phone and during a commission hearing in Las Vegas that Dr. Timothy Trainor, the commission doctor, will review Penn's condition with a local physician that has advised the agency in the past on fighters with cataracts and their capability of competing.
Pending final approval, Penn and Edgar will headline the TUF 19 Finale, which takes place July 6 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The two have faced off twice before, with Edgar winning each of those contests.
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