Count BJ Penn as a fan of outspoken boxer-turned-mixed martial artist James Toney, as the former lightweight champ recently told MMA Fighting he wants Toney to “do good” in his debut against Randy Couture at Saturday’s UFC 118 to bring new fans to the sport.

“I really would like to see James Toney do good out there,” Penn said. “You know what? If Randy goes in there and runs over James Toney in five seconds, I don’t think that does anything. I look for ways to try to build the sport, ways to put more fans in the seats and more money in our pockets. I want to see James Toney go in there and do good.

“He’s stepping in and fighting a five-time UFC champ on his first fight. The guy’s got some balls, man. And I give it to him. And I just, I wish the best for him.”

For the latest UFC news and UFC rumors stay tuned to ufcnews.info.