“One of the reasons for me dropping to 155 was the fact that Kenny Florian is coming up on his second title shot, and this is a guy that I walked through four years ago,” Sanchez previously stated. “And everybody thinks that, yeah, we’ve both evolved, we’ve both changed, we’re both different fighters, we’ve both improved a lot. But the fact is that I walked through him and it wasn’t even a fight . . .”

Florian, one to never back down from a challenge, said that he would be up for a shot at avenging one of his three losses.

“I think he’s going to be saying, ’Yes, yes, yes’ on the way into the ring and, ’No, no, no’ on the way out of the ring if he faces me,” Florian responded. “It’s a completely different time and I’m a completely different fighter. I definitely don’t think he’s evolved as much as I have, that’s for sure. He’s fought at 155 twice already and he has yet to finish any opponent.”

The debate on whether who has upped their game more since their initial meeting may be a moot point since Penn has dominated the division since rejoining it two years ago. The champ has gone 3-0 during that run, finishing his opponent in all three victories.

Either way, Sanchez’ feet appear to be firmly planted as the next in line for a shot at the crown.