BJ Penn ‘excited’ about HGH and EPO testing, says it is ‘gratifying’ to see a more even playing field

B.J. Penn is "excited" about the prospect of a more even playing field in the wake of Chael Sonnen's recent drug fiasco.

"The Prodigy," a longtime advocate for drug testing in MMA, took part in a UFC 175/TUF 19 conference call, where he revealed his satisfaction at commissions' ability to detect drugs such as human growth hormone (HGH) and recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO), as was the case with Sonnen just a few days ago.

"I'm really excited that they can test for the HGH and the EPO," Penn said on the call. "I've always suspected that people were doing those things and not just a steroid. So it's very exciting and very gratifying to finally see that they playing field is...people are going to start thinking twice about what they put in their bodies, and the playing field will be much more equal. And that's just huge."

Penn's comments bore no personal resentment towards Sonnen. In fact, he considers the two-division title challenger to be a "personal buddy" and he is sad to see the situation he is in.

"Chael Sonnen is actually a personal buddy of mine, and it's sad to see what Chael Sonnen is going through," he said. "But if you want to talk about the future of the sport, the safety of the fighters...and I've always spoke out against it. It's just I'm so excited now that they can get the HGH and the EPO. That put a smile on my face."

The Ultimate Fighter 19 Finale takes place Sunday, July 6 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center.

Transcription taken from MMAFighting.com.