BJ Penn: "Dana White Gives Me Title Shots Easier Than Everyone Else"

Whether it's at welterweight or lightweight, BJ Penn always seems to be in the running for a shot at a UFC title.

Since returning to the UFC in March 2006, 10 of Penn's last 12 bouts have consisted of defending a UFC title, contending for one or competing in title eliminator bouts.

A year after losing back to back lightweight title bouts to UFC champion Frankie Edgar, Penn is once again in the mix for a world title, and this time, it's at his old stomping grounds at 170-pounds.

If he defeats Nick Diaz on Saturday at UFC 137, would "The Prodigy" be awarded an opportunity to challenge the winner of St-Pierre and Condit for the welterweight title?

"I think Dana White gives me title shots easier than everyone else, so I'll probably get it," Penn chuckled in an exclusive interview with HeavyMMA.

Depending on the outcome of a variety of scenarios, Penn could indeed be a fight away from facing St-Pierre for a third time or Carlos Condit for the first time.

Jon Fitch is probably the most deserving welterweight, and he has an incredibly tough test ahead at UFC 141 against Johny Hendricks.

If Fitch loses, the only other potential contenders the UFC could go with would be Hendricks, Jake Ellenberger, Rory MacDonald, Diego Sanchez or Anthony Johnson.

It's easy to see why Penn would initially be the more attractive choice to headline a major pay-per-view card in a world title bout. He is a marquee name and a former two-division champion.

Still, things could get a bit dicey if St-Pierre defeats Condit. It's tough to see Penn climbing back into contention so quickly against a guy he's already lost twice to.

One thing is for sure. Penn may never again have to suffer the arduous journey to becoming a world champion.