BJ Penn: Fighting at featherweight was ‘mistake’ that will never happen again

BJ Penn has made a career out of fighting in multiple weight classes.

In the early days, it paid dividends, as “The Prodigy” was able to capture the crown in both the lightweight and welterweight divisions. In the second half of his career, however, the results have been ... well, disastrous.

Including his recent stint at featherweight.

“I haven’t really been thinking about fighting that much lately. But one thing is for sure, I would never fight at 145-pounds again,” the Hawaiian told his official website. “I should have never fought at 145. It was a bad decision to move down in weight at my age. Maybe if I had made the move in my early twenties it would have been different. But I did not feel good at 145.”

Penn turned 39 earlier this month.

After Frankie Edgar’s brutal beatdown (briefly) retired him in summer 2014, “The Prodigy” made yet another comeback, dropping to 145 pounds for a feature fight against division prospect Yair Rodriguez.

One that ended in disaster.

Penn was called back to battle fading veteran Dennis Siver last June, but once again came up short. That loss dropped his record to 16-12-2. More troubling is the fact that Penn has not won a fight in over seven years.

Is it time to stay retired for good?