Cesar Gracie, long time trainer of Nick Diaz, responds to BJ Penn's recent comment on twitter according to graciefighter.com.

"BJ Penn has apparently not come to terms with the beating he received at the hands of Nick Diaz...At some point it is up to those around you to protect you from yourself...Unfortunately for Penn he is surrounded by 'Yes Men' that are unwilling to do that. The outcome will be predictable, resulting in a fighter that will never push himself to the fullest and will always have excuses for his losses," Gracie said.

Gracie's comments concerning Penn's work ethic are criticisms Penn has faced throughout his career. It is not hard to see that the three time defending lightweight champion is not the same man that sports a 1-3-1 record as of late. In Penn's last bout at UFC 137; he was battered by Diaz's volume punching en route to a unanimous decision loss.

Now after months of silence, Penn recently lashed out at the Stockton fighter and called for a rematch. Despite hinting retirement immediately following the fight, Penn apparently isn't content to call it a career without another fight with Diaz.

"Excuses?? The whole world knows I lost the fight including myself. I'm tired of you talking down to me Cesar, I hope you're in training camp right now because the next time I see you, you better not be "scared homie!" Penn said on his twitter account responding to Gracie.

Presently, Penn's desires to rematch Diaz are wishful at best since Diaz is matched-up with Carlos Condit at UFC 143 for the UFC's interim welterweight belt.