Camps for both BJ Penn and Joe Stevenson have acknowledged that they have been approached about a possible match-up for the vacant lightweight title should current champion Sean Sherk lose his appeal to the California State Athletic Commission on October 31.

Sherk tested positive for steroids after his last fight breaking the rules of the CSAC, but maintains that he never knowingly ingested steroids.

If Sherk wins his appeal than Penn will face Sherk instead of Stevenson. Either way, Penn will get his shot at the lightweight title at UFC 79.