The Prodigy: "I'm already back in the gym."

“I already forgot about the Joe Stevenson fight.  That’s the past already,” UFC Lightweight Champion BJ Penn told KWXX 94.7 in Hilo Tuesday.

Penn choked Joe “Daddy” Stevenson to submission at 4:02 of round two at UFC 80 last month to claim the strap vacated by Sean “The Muscle Shark” Sherk after Sherk’s suspension for banned substances.

“I took seven days off completely.  I did nothing. And, I’m already back in the gym,” Penn announced.

Penn has been widely panned for lack of conditioning.

“Before I used to be bummed.  I’m like, I wanted to take at least a month or two months and go have a good time,” Penn admitted.

Since posting an “O”-fer in 2006 versus Georges St. Pierre and Matt Hughes at welterweight, Penn has re-dedicated himself at 155-pounds.

“I want to do this!  It’s time to go get Sean.  The belt means everything.  Nothing matters but the belt!”

The two champions, current and former, will determine the top of the lightweight division in Las Vegas.

“I’m pretty sure it’s May 24th,” Penn said.  “I’m pretty much guaranteed on that.”

When asked about his UFC 80 victory, Penn confided, “All the preparation and everything pays off.  I felt too good.  I felt guilty.”

After the fight, when Dana White wrapped the UFC belt around Penn’s waist, he had one thing on his mind:  “I’m not gonna cry!  I’m not gonna cry like last time!  Because it’s so embarrassing.”