In recent months Penn has been vocal about feeling the itch to return to fighting. Penn’s wish is our gain, and now the former UFC welterweight and lightweight champion is joining the star-studded lineup that is UFC 199.

Penn will take on Cole Miller, who is replacing Dennis Siver. Oddly enough, Miller earned his way into the UFC by competing on The Ultimate Fighter as a member of Team Pulver. Fighting against Team Penn, Miller lost in the quarter-finals.

Before Penn makes his walk to the cage for UFC 199, he will face another longtime opponent, his weight. This time around Penn will have another weapon at his disposal.

Penn has long been criticized for alleged discipline issues. Analysts have claimed the Hawaiian native has not focused enough on pre-fight preparation, instead relying on talent and natural ability. Recently, Penn has seemed more focused than ever, hiring nutritionist Mike Dolce to aid him in a cut to 145.

Penn’s first fight at featherweight was a dominant win for his opponent Frankie Edgar. After the fight, Penn came out with harsh words for Dolce, ultimately claiming he would never hire him again for anything.

According to PR manager Bryan Levick, later confirmed by Giordano, Penn has thus far stuck true to his word, and will be working with Giordano instead. Giordano has recently worked with top of the food chain fighters like Jon Jones and Johny Hendricks.

Hendricks is another fighter that used to use Dolce’s services, but has since left the nutritionist. Dolce used to be the only go to guru for fighters looking to manage their weight. With multiple fighters leaving Dolce services, or just seeking out different consulting, it begs the question, what about Dolce’s services is so inaccessible? Alternatively, it leaves room for dietitians and weight management specialists to come into MMA.

UFC legend Penn is gearing up to make his return to the UFC, and his winning ways. Ideally, this latest return fight will yield a better weight cut for Penn as he has enlisted the services of Giordano. Going forward, it will be interesting to see what other fighters enlist Giordano’s services.

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