Former two-weight UFC world champion and UFC Hall of Fame legend BJ Penn has been far away from the tropical paradise he calls home. The Hilo boy has been in Albuquerque, New Mexico training at JacksonWink MMA with Greg Jackson and Mike Winklejohn in preparation for his return to the Octagon.

Jackson spoke with MMA Junkie recently about Penn’s training and what the future holds for the 37-year-old pioneer of the UFC.

“He’s really starting to look really good,” Jackson told MMAjunkie. “It’s starting to click with him. Good sparring. More of the same. Just pushing forward.”

Jackson added that from working with the former UFC lightweight and welterweight champion, he still has a lot of fight left in him.

“We’re trying to work on his technique, so every day, we can get a little bit better,” the coach said. “His numbers are looking good, and I think he’s got a few good years left in him.”

With no official date announced from the UFC, fans of Penn are awaiting his return. Until then, Jackson will be continuing to work with “The Prodigy” and get him ready to take on the challenge in the Octagon.

“He’s still just training, progressing very nicely,” Jackson said. “He’s really starting to look really good.”