In a video posted on his own website, BJPenn.com (see the video after the jump), BJ Penn is looking to return to the Octagon as early as November. As MMA for Real pointed out, Penn has not particularly liked fighting overseas (even though he has) so expect him to maybe return at UFC 123 in Detroit instead of UFC 122 in Germany.
"Dana White texted me the last couple of days, and it looks like I'm probably going to be back in the ring in November sometime."
So, who is Penn going to face? Clay Guida hinted on his Twitter page that his next opponent has tremendous power in his hands, but wouldn't exactly say who he is fighting next. Most people think Guida is referring to Takanori Gomi, but Penn has been known to have tremendous power in his hands also, so Guida is a possibility for Penn's next opponent.
A lot of people think Penn would be fighting either Gomi or Florian next, but Florian has said he doesn't plan on returning to the Octagon for 5 months and as stated above, all indications are showing that Gomi is fighting Guida next.
So, who does that leave for Penn fight? Honestly, looking at the UFC's Lightweight roster, there really isn't top contender out there for Penn to fight. Contenders Jim Miller and Gleison Tibau are scheduled to fight next Wednesday at UFC Fight Night. Former Lightweight champ Sean Sherk is scheduled to face Evan Dunham at UFC 119. Kurt Pellegrino just got outworked by George Sotiropoulos at UFC 116 and Sotiropoulos is rumored to face Joe Lauzon at UFC 123. If Penn just wants to take a fight, he is probably going to have to face a middle of the pack guy in the Lightweight division.
Then again, there is always the possibility though that Penn says screw the Lightweight division and takes a fight at Welterweight for the time being. All I can say though, I can't wait for the announcement of how Penn is fighting next.