Hilo's BJ Penn said he had a difficult time sleeping the past few nights.

Maybe it's because a dream match-up was in the making.

Penn found out yesterday that he will face Matt Hughes of Illinois for the Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight world title on Sept. 23 at Arrowhead Pond in Anaheim, Calif.

"As soon as I got the call from UFC, I was crying tears of joy for about 15 minutes," Penn said. "This means everything for me. I can't even explain how happy and excited I am."

Penn and Hughes are widely considered to be two of the best "pound-for-pound" competitors in the sport of mixed martial arts.

They also have a somewhat controversial history.

Penn defeated Hughes by rear-naked choke submission for the UFC welterweight (170-pound class) championship on Jan. 31, 2004.

A few months later, Penn was stripped of the championship because he accepted a bout outside of the UFC organization.

Hughes then won the vacant title in October 2004, and has held it ever since.

"I can make everything correct now," Penn said. "I can't believe I'm going to be the world champion again."

Penn, 28, has a professional record of 10-3-1. He is a jiu-jitsu master, and all three of his losses have come via decision.

Hughes, 33, has a mix of boxing and wrestling skills, and his professional record is 39-4. He is 18-1 since March 2001, with the only loss coming against Penn.

"I think we're both a lot more experienced since the last time (in 2004)," Penn said. "But every fight is different. I just have to go in ready to lay the smack down on him again."

Canada's Georges St. Pierre was originally scheduled to face Hughes for the title on Sept. 23. However, St. Pierre recently withdrew from the bout because he injured his groin during a training session.

Penn said one month's notice is more than enough time for him to prepare for Hughes.

"I'm actually 172 (pounds) right now — I was tired of being fat," Penn said. "I'm in shape. I was supposed to fight in October anyway, so I'll be ready."

NOTES

BJ Penn's legal case involving an assault charge against a Honolulu police officer remains ongoing. His attorney, Michael Green, said the Sept. 23 bout will not interfere with any court proceedings.

Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com.