:B.J. Penn

Penn was born in Hawaii to Jay Dee Penn, who is of Irish American descent, and Lorraine Shin, who is of Korean and Hawaiian descent.{{cite web |url=http://www.bjpenn.com/forum/topics/my-ethnicity |title=BJ Penn |publisher=bjpenn.com |date=December 19, 2009 |access-date=October 17, 2010 }}{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.honolulumagazine.com/bj-penn-outside-the-octagon/|title = BJ Penn: Outside the Octagon|date = September 7, 2010}} At the age of 17, Penn began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu after being introduced to it by his neighbor, Tom Callos.{{cite web|url=http://www.hawaiisportspage.com/Main/MustReadXV/tabid/247/Default.aspx |title=What is Tom Callos To BJ Penn? |work=Hawaiisportspage.com |access-date=February 10, 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090104043104/http://www.hawaiisportspage.com/Main/MustReadXV/tabid/247/Default.aspx| archive-date= January 4, 2009 | url-status=live}} Callos had put up fliers in local gyms looking for people to train with,{{cite web|first=Tom |last=Callos |url=http://www.blackbeltmag.com/tom_callos_bj_penn_mixed_martial_arts_grappling_hawaii/archives/586?print=1 |title=Genesis of "The Prodigy |work=Blackbeltmag.com |date=February 10, 2009}} and B.J.'s father Jay Dee Penn had called Callos and said his boys were interested. Callos then taught B.J. and his brother what he knew. Shortly thereafter, B.J. moved to San Jose, California, to begin training at the Ralph Gracie BJJ academy with Dave Camarillo, with whom he lived and became close friends. It was here during his time in San Jose that he decided to pursue a martial arts career.

In 1997 Penn began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Ralph Gracie, eventually earning his purple belt from Gracie. At that point he moved to Nova União, where he was eventually awarded his black belt in 2000 by André Pederneiras.{{cite web |first=James |last=Hirth |url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/2/K-1-Hawaii-Preview-Penn-Versus-Gracie-3178 |title=K-1 Hawaii Preview: Penn Versus Gracie |publisher=Sherdog.com |date=July 28, 2005 |access-date=February 10, 2009}} A few weeks later, he became the first non-Brazilian to win in the black-belt division of the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.{{cite web|url=http://www.bjpenn.com/home.php?id=bio |title=Biography |access-date=October 10, 2006 |work=BJPenn.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070812075731/http://www.bjpenn.com/home.php?id=bio |archive-date=August 12, 2007 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} While Penn's most well-known and prestigious achievement was placing first in the black belt division in the 2000 world championships, he had success at the Mundials in previous years. In 1999, at the age of 20, Penn finished 3rd, earning himself a bronze medal in the brown belt division, losing only to Fernando "Tererê" Augusto, and in 1998, earned a silver medal, placing 2nd in the blue belt division. Penn is thought to have earned the fastest legitimate black belt of all active Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners.{{cite web |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/918212-ufc-137-results-5-significant-achievements-from-bj-penns-career/page/2 |title=UFC 137 Results: 5 Significant Achievements from BJ Penn's Career |publisher=BleacherReport |date=October 30, 2011}}

His accomplishments in the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship caught the attention of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, which convinced him to switch to mixed martial arts. Penn made his mixed martial arts debut with the company on May 24, 2001, with a win over Joey Gilbert at UFC 31.{{cite news|url=https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/mma/news?slug=ki-penn012809&prov=yhoo&type=lgns |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090131222600/http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/mma/news?slug=ki-penn012809&prov=yhoo&type=lgns |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 31, 2009 |title=Penn focused on nurturing talent, not wasting it |last=Iole |first=Kevin |date=January 28, 2008 |work=Yahoo! Sports |access-date=February 18, 2009 }} He then demonstrated strong striking skills, knocking out lightweights Din Thomas and Caol Uno before suffering a decision loss in a championship fight against UFC Lightweight Champion, Jens Pulver.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/extra/mma/news/story?id=2914883|title=Penn avenges 2002 loss to Pulver|last=Sloan|first=Mike|date=June 26, 2007|publisher=ESPN / Sherdog.com|access-date=February 18, 2009}} In 2003, after Pulver left the UFC and relinquished his title, a tournament to crown a new champion flopped when Penn fought Uno to a draw in the finals at UFC 41, a failure which caused the UFC to later suspend its lightweight division.{{cite web|url=http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/23147506/|title=Focused BJ Penn ready to make history|last=Chiappetta|first=Mike|date=February 13, 2008|publisher=NBCSports.com|access-date=February 18, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090211141426/http://www.nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/23147506/|archive-date=February 11, 2009|url-status=dead}} Penn bounced back later in the year with a victory over future PRIDE Lightweight Champion Takanori Gomi to earn his first MMA championship, the Rumble on the Rock Lightweight Championship, in K-1 Fighting Network's Rumble on the Rock, an MMA organization promoted by Penn's brother, and Fighting and Entertainment Group (FEG), the parent company of the largest kickboxing organization, K-1.

Penn received his first UFC Championship in 2004 at UFC 46. Penn jumped up in weight classes to challenge the five-time defending UFC Welterweight Champion Matt Hughes to fill a title contention slot in a division where Hughes had already defeated all the available opposition.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2011/8/3/2341923/bj-penn-vs-matt-hughes-at-ufc-46-ultimate-submissions-breaks-down-the |title=BJ Penn vs Matt Hughes at UFC 46: Ultimate Submissions breaks down the grappling prowess of the 'Prodigy' |date=August 3, 2011 |publisher=MMAMania.com}} Heavily favored to win, Hughes lost the fight four minutes into the first round by rear naked choke after giving up his back with only 23 seconds left in the round, in a bout which remains as one of the biggest upsets,{{cite news|url=https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/The-best-of-the-decade-10-biggest-MMA-upsets?urn=mma-205904&time=1292014503 |title=The best of the decade: 10 biggest MMA upsets |last=Cofield |first=Steve |work=Yahoo Sports}} as well as one of the greatest submission victories in mixed martial arts history.{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/sports/2011/08/the-50-best-submissions-in-the-history-of-mma/ufc-46-penn-hughes |title=The 50 Best Submissions in the History of MMA |publisher=ComplexSports}}

Penn signed to fight for the Japanese Fighting and Entertainment Group's (FEG) K-1 promotion citing a lack of challenging fights left for him in the UFC. The UFC promptly stripped him of the welterweight title, claiming Penn breached his contract and that the signing constituted as him refusing to defend his title. Penn filed a suit against the UFC and publicized his side of the conflict, claiming his UFC contract had already expired. Penn filed a motion to stop the UFC from awarding a new welterweight title, but that motion was denied.{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news.asp?n_id=1872|title=BJ Penn Sues Zuffa Over Stripping of Welterweight Title|date=July 23, 2004|publisher=Sherdog.com|access-date=October 9, 2012|last=Sloan|first=Mike}}

In his second fight for FEG, Penn fought again at welterweight and defeated Duane Ludwig at the 2004 K-1 MMA Romanex show in under five minutes by arm triangle choke.{{cite web

|url=http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?fighterID=1307

|title=Fight Finder – B.J. "The Prodigy" Penn Mixed Martial Arts Statistics

|publisher=Sherdog.com

|access-date=February 10, 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080602224157/http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?fighterid=1307| archive-date=June 2, 2008| url-status=live}} Following the Ludwig fight, Penn moved up in weight class to face the undefeated Rodrigo Gracie at middleweight.{{cite web |url=http://www.mmaringreport.com/k-1-news/k-1/penn-beats-gracie-and-goodridge-wins-at-k-1-hawaii-15.html |title=Penn beats Gracie and Goodridge wins at K-1 Hawaii |work=Mmaringreport.com |access-date=February 10, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090111093157/http://www.mmaringreport.com/k-1-news/k-1/penn-beats-gracie-and-goodridge-wins-at-k-1-hawaii-15.html |archive-date=January 11, 2009 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} Penn won by decision, extending his winning streak to four fights. On March 26, 2005, at the inaugural event of FEG's new MMA promotion Hero's, Penn faced future UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Lyoto Machida, losing by unanimous decision at K-1 Hero's 1. The fight happened at an open weight class with Penn weighing in at {{convert|86.5|kg}} and Machida weighing in at {{convert|102|kg}}.{{cite web|url=http://www.hero-s.com/03eventresult/20050326/06_bj_lyoto/06_bj_lyoto.html |title=大会結果詳細 |work=Hero-s.com |access-date=February 10, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090603110627/http://www.hero-s.com/03eventresult/20050326/06_bj_lyoto/06_bj_lyoto.html |archive-date=June 3, 2009 }} Later that year at K-1 World Grand Prix Hawaii, Penn returned to middleweight to face Pride Fighting Championship veteran Renzo Gracie, which he won by unanimous decision.

File:HughesPenn-faceoff.jpg]]

In early 2006 at UFC 56, UFC president Dana White announced that Penn and the UFC had agreed to a settlement and Penn was to return as a top welterweight contender. Penn re-debuted on March 4 at UFC 58, losing to Georges St-Pierre by split decision in a fight that determined the number one welterweight contender. Although St. Pierre was declared the winner after a three-round decision, some believed that Penn had done enough to earn himself the victory, causing noticeably more damage throughout the fight, as Joe Rogan described St-Pierre's face being "a bloody mess" while B.J. Penn "barely having a scratch on him." Despite having lost the bout, Penn's performance against Georges St-Pierre, is considered to be one of the best put forth against the future UFC Champion.{{cite news | url = http://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/bouts/ufc-58-georges-rush-st-pierre-vs-bj-the-prodigy-penn-i-1| title = Georges St-Pierre vs. BJ Penn I| date = March 4, 2006| work = Tapology.com}}

After new top contender St. Pierre injured himself during training, the UFC announced that Penn would replace St. Pierre in an upcoming title fight, setting up a highly anticipated rematch with Hughes at UFC 63 on September 23, 2006. In the bout, Penn controlled the first two rounds, but sustained a rib injury during the scramble to take Hughes' back in round two. He was visibly different in the third round, appearing exhausted and missing punches he was landing earlier. Hughes was able to take Penn to the mat, and in side control crucifix position rained punches on Penn's head until referee "Big" John McCarthy stopped the fight at 3:53 of the third round, making this the first time that Penn had been stopped in a fight. This fight earned him a Fight of the Night award.{{cite web |url=http://hosteddb.fightmetric.com/fights/index/461 |title=UFC 63: Hughes vs. Penn |publisher=FightMetric |access-date=September 25, 2012}} In an interview found on Penn's personal website, Penn stated that by round three he could hardly breathe and had no "mobility in his core."{{cite web |url=http://www.mmanews.com/ufc/B.J.-Penn-Claims-Rib-Injury-Influenced-Loss-To-Matt-Hughes.html |title=B.J. Penn Claims Rib Injury Influenced Loss To Matt Hughes |work=Mmanews.Com |date=September 28, 2006 |access-date=February 10, 2009 }}{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Despite the injury, Penn congratulated Hughes, calling him a great fighter and saying he deserved the victory.

Penn was a coach for The Ultimate Fighter 5, which debuted on April 5, 2007.{{cite web|url=http://www.buddytv.com/articles/ufc/exclusive-interview-the-ultima-7628.aspx |title=Exclusive Interview: The Ultimate Fighter 5 Coach, Jens Pulver on BJ Penn |work=Buddytv.com |date=June 22, 2007 |access-date=February 10, 2009}} Penn lead a team of eight lightweight fighters, and fought a rematch against Jens Pulver at The Ultimate Fighter 5#The Ultimate Fighter 5 Finale on June 23, 2007.{{cite web|last=Iole |first=Kevin |url=https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/box/news?slug=ki-ufccard062307&prov=yhoo&type=lgns |title=Pulverized |work=Ca.sports.yahoo.com |date=June 23, 2007 |access-date=February 10, 2009}} He won with a rear naked choke in the second round after controlling Pulver from the mount and then taking Pulver's back.{{cite web |first=Eugene |last=Bilmes |url=http://www.mmastation.com/articles/article-106.html |title=Fighter Spotlight: BJ Penn |work=Mmastation.com |date=May 28, 2008 |access-date=February 10, 2009 |archive-date=May 23, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090523002812/http://www.mmastation.com/articles/article-106.html |url-status=dead }} Although he held the choke for a moment after Pulver tapped out,{{cite web|last=Iole |first=Kevin |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/box/news?slug=ki-babalu082807&prov=yhoo&type=lgns |title=There should be no room for Babalu's antics |work=Sports.yahoo.com |date=August 28, 2007 |access-date=February 10, 2009}} the two then embraced, with both later saying they no longer held any ill will against each other.

On July 7, 2007, during the post-fight press conference of UFC 73, UFC president Dana White announced that Penn would stay at lightweight to fight current UFC Lightweight Champion Sean Sherk. However, Sean Sherk subsequently was suspended by the California State Athletic Commission, and the status of the possible title fight was left in limbo as he pursued his appeals.{{cite web|last=Stupp |first=Dann |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/2597/ufc-lightweight-champ-sean-sherk-appealing-drug-suspension.mma |title=UFC Lightweight Champ Sean Sherk Appealing Fine, Suspension |work=MMAjunkie.com |date=July 20, 2007 |access-date=February 10, 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090106171054/http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2597/ufc-lightweight-champ-sean-sherk-appealing-drug-suspension.mma| archive-date= January 6, 2009 | url-status=live}} With Sherk's title status still in limbo after months of hearings, the UFC scheduled Penn to fight Joe Stevenson at UFC 80 on January 19, 2008, for an interim lightweight title.{{cite web|last=Iole |first=Kevin |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/mma_experts/post/Sherk-not-stripped-Penn-Stevenson-for-interim-t?urn=mma,52159 |title=Sherk not stripped; Penn-Stevenson for interim title |work=Sports.yahoo.com |date=November 2, 2007 |access-date=February 10, 2009}} The subsequent final decision by the California State Athletic Commission, which did not overturn Sherk's suspension, led to the title being stripped from Sherk and the Penn-Stevenson fight being upgraded to a full title bout,{{cite web|first=Kris |last=Karkoski |url=http://mmafrenzy.com/2007/12/08/sean-sherk-stripped-of-lightweight-title/ |title=Sean Sherk Stripped of Lightweight Title |publisher=MMAFrenzy.com |date=December 8, 2007 |access-date=February 10, 2009}} with the winner facing Sherk in their first defense.

Penn knocked Stevenson down seconds into the first round with a right uppercut, then took Stevenson down, delivering a well placed elbow from the top position that inflicted a serious cut near Stevenson's hairline.{{cite web |url=http://www.411mania.com/MMA/news/67350/411%5C%5Cs-LIVE-UFC-80-PPV-Coverage:-BJ-Penn-vs-Joe-Stevenson.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120720222912/http://www.411mania.com/MMA/news/67350/411%5C%5Cs-LIVE-UFC-80-PPV-Coverage:-BJ-Penn-vs-Joe-Stevenson.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 20, 2012 |title=MMA 411's live UFC 80 PPV Coverage: BJ Penn vs Joe Stevenson |work=411mania.com |date=January 19, 2008 |access-date=February 10, 2009 }} In the second round, Stevenson fought more aggressively but was still unable to threaten Penn. Penn worked to back mount and defeated him by rear naked choke at 4:02 of the second round to win the Lightweight Championship. He celebrated the win by licking Joe Stevenson's blood off of his gloves. The win for Penn was awarded Beatdown of the Year by Sherdog for 2008.{{cite web|author=Sherdog.com |url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/7/Sherdogs-Miscellaneous-Awards-for-2008-15727 |title=Sherdog's Miscellaneous Awards for 2008 |publisher=Sherdog.com |access-date=August 27, 2010}} This fight also earned him a $35,000 Submission of the Night award.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2008/01/ufc-issues-140000-in-ufc-80-bonuses|title=UFC Issues $140,000 in UFC 80 'Fight Night' Bonuses|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Staff|date=2008-01-20|access-date=2025-03-14}} With this win, Penn became the second man (after Randy Couture) to win UFC titles in two different weight classes.{{cite web

|url=http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2008/01/19/ufc-80-b-j-penn-beats-joe-stevenson-wins-lightweight-champion/

|title=UFC 80: B.J. Penn Beats Joe Stevenson, Wins Lightweight Championship in Bloody Battle|last=Smith|first=Michael David|publisher=AOL Sports|date=January 19, 2008|access-date=January 21, 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080123042606/http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2008/01/19/ufc-80-b-j-penn-beats-joe-stevenson-wins-lightweight-champion/| archive-date= January 23, 2008 | url-status=live}}

On May 24, 2008, at UFC 84 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, Penn fought former champion Sean Sherk in his first title defense bout. The fight was billed by color commentator Mike Goldberg as the "biggest fight in the history of the UFC lightweight division". Sherk attempted to take Penn down only once (in the first round), instead the fighters traded punches and leg kicks for the remainder of the fight. Penn landed jabs several times, utilizing his reach advantage over Sherk. In the closing seconds of the third round, Penn threw a punch and a hook that backed Sherk into the cage. Sherk then ducked under another punch – possibly to shoot for a takedown – when he was hit in the head by a flush flying left knee from Penn. Sherk went down and Penn continued with strikes, but the round ended before the referee stopped the fight. However, Sherk was unable to continue and Penn was declared the victor by TKO (strikes). After the fight, in response a question by Joe Rogan about his future, Penn asked the crowd if they wanted to see him fight Georges St-Pierre and was answered with a loud ovation.{{cite web|url=http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_rumors/view/51997 |title=Penn calls for St. Pierre match |work=FanNation.com |date=May 28, 2008 |access-date=February 10, 2009}} Later, Penn told Fighters Club TV that he would face the winner of the UFC 87 Welterweight title fight between Georges St-Pierre and Jon Fitch, which St-Pierre ended up winning by unanimous decision. St-Pierre's victory led to the scheduling of B.J.'s next fight as a Welterweight Championship fight.

File:KoreAm 2008-07 Cover.jpg]]

Penn challenged Georges St-Pierre for St-Pierre's welterweight title on January 31, 2009, the night before the Super Bowl. The date led UFC 94 to be billed as the "UFC Super Bowl Weekend," and it was anticipated to be the biggest UFC pay-per-view event ever.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/rumors.asp?articleid=6939&zoneid=14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080824223059/http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/rumors.asp?articleid=6939&zoneid=14 |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 24, 2008 |title=BJ Penn To Fight The Winner Of GSP vs. Jon Fitch |last=Perkins |first=Jason |publisher=fightline.com |date=July 2, 2008 |access-date=July 2, 2008 }} Before the fight with St-Pierre, Penn made a controversial comment that he was going to try to kill St-Pierre in the ring,{{cite web |url=http://www.myvideofight.com/rivals-corner/everything-about-the-gsp-bj-penn-rivalry.html |title=Everything About the GSP – BJ Penn Rivalry |work=Myvideofight.com |access-date=February 10, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090218152655/http://www.myvideofight.com/rivals-corner/everything-about-the-gsp-bj-penn-rivalry.html |archive-date=February 18, 2009 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} but he later explained that he was speaking figuratively.{{cite web|last=Morgan |first=John |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/13716/b-j-penn-im-going-to-try-and-kill-you-but-its-nothing-personal.mma |title=B.J. Penn: I'm going to try to kill you, but it's nothing personal |work=MMAjunkie.com |date=January 14, 2009 |access-date=February 10, 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090204095447/http://mmajunkie.com/news/13716/b-j-penn-im-going-to-try-and-kill-you-but-its-nothing-personal.mma| archive-date= February 4, 2009 | url-status=live}}

The first round of the fight was somewhat even, with Penn exercising elusive head movement, fast hands and good take-down defense, thwarting all of St-Pierre's take-down attempts while both exchanged punches. In the ensuing three rounds, however, Penn turned out a lackluster performance. St-Pierre scored his first take-down of the night midway through the second round, and by the end of the round Penn was visibly tired. At the start of round three, St-Pierre landed a "superman punch" that bloodied Penn's nose and shortly took Penn down again. From that point on, St-Pierre took Penn down almost at will, repeatedly passed Penn's renowned guard, and persistently punished the Hawaiian with a ground-and-pound attack.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/13877/ufc-94-round-by-round-updates-official-results-and-tonights-winners.mma|publisher=MMAJunkie.com|access-date=July 2, 2009|date=January 31, 2009|title=UFC 94 round by round updates}} Penn later admitted that he could not recall anything that happened during the 3rd and 4th rounds because "I was probably borderline knocked out or something."{{cite web|url=http://www.bjpenn.com/profiles/blogs/bj-penn-im-still-the|title=BJ Penn: I'm Still The Light Weight Champ. Let's Keep Fighting.|date=February 15, 2009|publisher=bjpenn.com|access-date=February 19, 2009}}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} At the end of the fourth round, after more of St-Pierre's ground-and-pound onslaught, and upon B.J.'s command, Penn's brother requested that the referee stop the fight. After the fight, Penn failed to attend the post-fight press conference due to having stayed in the hospital.

A controversy arose during the fight as St-Pierre's corner-men were spotted rubbing St-Pierre's back immediately after applying Vaseline to his face. Members of the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) came into the octagon and wiped St-Pierre's torso down. Penn later sent a formal request to the NSAC, asking them to investigate.{{cite web |url=http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/29019021/ |title=Penn asks commission to investigate St-Pierre |last=Chiappetta |first=Mike |date=February 4, 2009 |work=NBCSports.com |access-date=February 7, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207003832/http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/29019021/ |archive-date=February 7, 2009 |url-status=dead }} Despite all of the complaints by the Penn camp, the NSAC ruled that there was no infraction.{{cite web|url=http://mmafrenzy.com/9678/nsac-takes-no-action-at-greasegate-hearing/ |title=NSAC Takes No Action at Greasegate Hearing |publisher=MMAFrenzy.com |date=March 17, 2009 |access-date=August 27, 2010}} This incident was famously coined by Penn fans as the "Greasegate" and remains as one of the biggest controversial moments in UFC history{{by whom|date=September 2016}}.{{cite web|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/magazine/specials/2000s/12/17/mma.highlights.lowlights/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100116100954/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/magazine/specials/2000s/12/17/mma.highlights.lowlights/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 16, 2010|title=MMA: Highlights and lowlights |last=Gross |first=Josh |date=December 18, 2009 |publisher=SportsIllustrated}}

{{blockquote|I think he absolutely, positively knew that he was rubbing grease on him. Do I think Georges was trying to cheat? Absolutely not at all. But that corner man was rubbing grease on him.|Dana White, post fight at UFC 94.{{cite web |url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2009/03/greg-jackson-responds-to-dana-whites-greasegate-allegations |title=GREG JACKSON RESPONDS TO DANA WHITE'S "GREASEGATE" ALLEGATIONS |date=March 3, 2009 |publisher=MMAJunkie.com}}}}

The rules of the UFC were modified so that only the official "cut men" would be allowed to have or apply Vaseline to the fighters. The procedures governing the transition from the fighters walk-in to the cage and while in the cage were also changed. Previously, fighters would walk up next to the cage, see the cut man who would apply Vaseline, be checked by the referee, and then have an opportunity to speak with or hug their coaches or cornermen before entering the cage. To prevent an opportunity for the fighters to have Vaseline applied illicitly, fighters now must first part from any company, have Vaseline applied by the cut man, be checked by the referee, and then go directly to the cage. Finally, no cornermen will be allowed to have Vaseline in the cage between rounds. In this way, the fighter's contact with Vaseline is fully controlled by the cut men and referee, who work independently of the UFC.{{cite web |url=http://www.aroundtheoctagon.com/?p=840 |title='Stitch' Duran breaks down GSP greasing allegations |last=Alexsander |first=Gary |work=AroundtheOctagon.com |publisher=Fighters Only Magazine |date=February 11, 2009 |access-date=February 11, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090213185051/http://www.aroundtheoctagon.com/?p=840 |archive-date=February 13, 2009 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}

UFC President Dana White said that the incident had no effect on the outcome of the fight although he wished the incident had not happened. Penn did, after all, quit after the fourth round. In his first post-fight interview Penn spoke of his belief that if St-Pierre were found to have been "greased" he would lose all respect for him, while admitting that "[I] definitely got my butt kicked."in his first post-fight interview on February 11, 2009.{{cite web|url=http://www.aroundtheoctagon.com/?p=840|title=Transcript from BJ Penn interview from BJ Penn.com|date=February 11, 2009|publisher=aroundtheoctagon.com|access-date=February 11, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090213185051/http://www.aroundtheoctagon.com/?p=840|archive-date=February 13, 2009|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} Penn claims that before the match he warned the NSAC that St-Pierre might use grease intentionally. St-Pierre responded to the allegations by offering to fight a rematch against Penn.{{cite web|url=http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/29052969/|title=St-Pierre responds to greasing allegations|last=Chiappetta|first=Mike|date=February 6, 2009|work=NBCSports.com|access-date=February 7, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207233249/http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/29052969/|archive-date=February 7, 2009|url-status=dead}} Penn went on record as accepting the offer for a re-match.{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news?slug=mmajunkie-Penn_accepts_GSP_challenge_third&prov=mmajunkie&type=lgns|title=B.J. Penn accepts Georges St-Pierre's challenge for third meeting|date=February 6, 2009|work=Sports.yahoo.com|publisher=MMAjunkie.com|access-date=February 7, 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090212182944/https://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news?slug=mmajunkie-Penn_accepts_GSP_challenge_third&prov=mmajunkie&type=lgns| archive-date= February 12, 2009 | url-status=live}} Following his informal acceptance of a proposed second rematch, Penn filed a formal complaint with Nevada State Athletic Commission seeking to prevent St-Pierre from fighting by suspending St-Pierre's fighter's license. In addition, Penn unsuccessfully requested the suspension of St-Pierre's cornermen, Greg Jackson and Phil Nurse, a fine of $250,000, and overturning the result of the fight to a no-contest.{{cite web|url=http://mmaweekly.com/penn-files-formal-complaint-with-nsac-2 |title=Penn Files Formal Complaint with NSAC|date=March 11, 2009|access-date=June 23, 2009|publisher=MMAWeekly.com}}{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2009/3/11/789834/b-j-penn-files-formal-comp|title=B.J. Penn Files Formal Complaint Against Georges St Pierre|work=Bloody Elbow |date=March 11, 2009|access-date=July 2, 2009}}

Penn began negotiations to fight Kenny Florian in the summer of 2009. The Florian-Penn title fight was scheduled for UFC 99, but B.J. Penn requested more time off after his fight with GSP. He defended his title against Florian on August 8, 2009, at UFC 101. This fight earned him a $60,000 Submission of the Night award.{{Cite web|url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2009/aug/08/ufc-101-blog/|title=Penn keeps belt with win over Florian|publisher=cbsnews.com|author=Brett Okamoto and Andy Samuelson|date=2009-08-08|access-date=2025-03-14}} Penn looked noticeably in better physical shape than his previous outings at 155 lbs and negated any sort of takedown offense from Florian the entire match despite his opponent's persistence in grappling and engaging the clinch.

On his feet, Penn avoided virtually any damage, constantly stuffing or evading any attempts of a left high kick, punches, or elbows from Florian when the two departed from the clinch. In a measured performance, Penn preferred to pace himself in his standup, occasionally showing explosive bursts of striking up until the fourth round, where he executed a powerful takedown and quickly assumed the half guard position, punishing the contender with elbows until gaining the full mount, where punches followed to continue the ground and pound assault from the BJJ specialist.

A scramble ensued, where Florian gave up his back twice but was unable to escape Penn's mount, the second time Penn took his opponent's back, he looked to trap Florian's arm with one of his legs, but was unable to do so, instead striking the liver of Florian with his heel, which eventually led Penn to secure a rear naked choke at 3:45 of the fourth round to defend his lightweight championship title.

Penn fought Diego Sanchez for the UFC Lightweight Championship on December 12, 2009, at UFC 107.{{cite web |url=http://mmafrenzy.com/11471/bj-penn-vs-diego-sanchez-now-slated-for-ufc-107-on-december-12-in-memphis/ |title=BJ Penn vs. Diego Sanchez Now Slated for UFC 107 on December 12 in Memphis |publisher=MMAFrenzy.com |date=January 2, 2009 |access-date=September 3, 2009 |archive-date=September 7, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090907025445/http://mmafrenzy.com/11471/bj-penn-vs-diego-sanchez-now-slated-for-ufc-107-on-december-12-in-memphis/ |url-status=dead }} Penn negated virtually any offense from the contender, exercising good footwork and elusive head movement whilst remaining flawless in his takedown defense on 27 attempts from Sanchez. He stalked his opponent for large periods of the match and stunned Sanchez early, dropping him; following up with multiple clean shots, which Sanchez showed good durability in weathering. Penn, showing good conditioning for the duration of the bout, continued to stuff all takedowns, punches and left high kicks from Sanchez and dominated with aggressive bursts of striking throughout. He hurt Sanchez several times, until finally rocking him with a flurry in the final round, swarming to finish the combo with a right high kick. The kick opened up a huge cut on Sanchez's forehead above his left eye, causing the fight to be halted on doctor's advice at 2:47 of the fifth round with a TKO. The victory marked only the second fight in UFC history to end in the fifth round, and also earned Penn the distinction of being the only man to have stopped Sanchez.

{{blockquote|That right there, ladies and gentlemen, is the greatest lightweight, in the history of the sport!|Joe Rogan, post fight at UFC 107.{{cite web |url=http://www.profighting-fans.com/articles/bj-penn-greatest_070910.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110207201015/http://profighting-fans.com/articles/bj-penn-greatest_070910.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2011-02-07 |title=BJ Penn: The Greatest Lightweight in the History of the Sport |publisher=ProFighting-fans.com |last=Nelson |first=Jake }}}}

The performance marked the third time Penn had successfully finished a fight in defending his UFC Lightweight Championship, setting a new record of lightweight title defenses, by breaking the previous record of two defenses by Jens Pulver.{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Penn-Dominates-Finishes-Sanchez-at-UFC-107-21501|title=Penn Dominates, Finishes Sanchez at UFC 107|publisher=sherdog.com |date=December 12, 2009}} Later during the post-fight press conference UFC President Dana White told the media he was proud of Penn's willingness to take MMA more seriously in his training when earlier he felt Penn had coasted through the UFC solely on natural talent.{{cite web|url=http://www.fiveknuckles.com/mma-news/Dana-White-proud-of-new-BJ-Penn.html|title=Dana White proud of new BJ Penn|publisher=FiveKnuckles.com|access-date=December 13, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091217095349/http://www.fiveknuckles.com/mma-news/Dana-White-proud-of-new-BJ-Penn.html|archive-date=December 17, 2009|url-status=usurped|df=mdy-all}}

Penn's next defense was on April 10, 2010, at UFC 112 against Frankie Edgar. Despite being an overwhelming favorite coming into the fight, Penn lost the closely contested bout by unanimous decision; breaking his eight-year undefeated streak in the lightweight division. 8 of 9 media outlets scored the bout in favor of Penn.{{cite web|url=http://mmadecisions.com/decision/1468/Frankie-Edgar-vs-B.J.-Penn|title=MMA Decisions - Edgar def. Penn |publisher=mmadecisions.com |date= March 12, 2016}} After the fight, Penn congratulated Edgar on winning the belt. Despite this, the results garnered much criticism as many disagreed with the judges decision after the five round fight, having believed that Penn had done enough to earn himself the victory.{{cite web |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/376771-ufc-112-frankie-edgar-shocks-the-world-the-judges-do-too |title=UFC 112: Frankie Edgar Shocks the World and BJ Penn, the Judges Do Too |publisher=BleacherReport.com |last=Leanza |first=Mike}} Due to the controversy surrounding the outcome, an immediate rematch with Edgar was scheduled as his first title defense.

{{blockquote|BJ is the greatest lightweight ever. I can just hope to be half the champion he was.|Frankie Edgar, post fight at UFC 112.{{cite web |url=http://www.5thround.com/31377/ufc-112-result-frankie-edgar-beats-bj-penn-to-capture-lightweight-title |title=Frankie Edgar Beats BJ Penn to Capture Lightweight Title |publisher=5thround |last=Ngo |first=Tom |access-date=April 5, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101226225655/http://www.5thround.com/31377/ufc-112-result-frankie-edgar-beats-bj-penn-to-capture-lightweight-title/ |archive-date=December 26, 2010 |url-status=usurped }}}}

Penn fought Edgar in a rematch at UFC 118.[http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2010/5/14/1472636/bj-penn-signs-bout-agreement-to#comments BJ Penn Signs Bout Agreement against Frank Edgar] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713073125/http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2010/5/14/1472636/bj-penn-signs-bout-agreement-to#comments |date=July 13, 2015 }}. Bloody Elbow. Retrieved on October 30, 2011. Edgar was able to negate his ground offense and control the fight with good movement and striking combinations. All three judges scored the fight 50–45 for Edgar.Hendricks, Maggie. (October 24, 2011) [https://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Edgar-convincingly-beats-Penn-in-UFC-118-main-ev?urn=mma-265823 Edgar convincingly beats Penn in UFC 118 main event – Cagewriter – UFC Blog – Yahoo! Sports]. Sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved on 2011-10-30.[https://vancouversun.com/sports/Edgar+dominates+Penn+Couture+destroys+Toney/3456224/story.html UFC 118: Edgar dominates Penn, Couture destroys Toney] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100905110507/http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/Edgar+dominates+Penn+Couture+destroys+Toney/3456224/story.html |date=September 5, 2010 }}. Vancouversun.com (August 28, 2010). Retrieved on 2011-10-30.

Penn fought Matt Hughes at UFC 123 in a rubber match after their previous two fights at UFC 46 and UFC 63.{{cite web|url=http://mmaweekly.com/trilogy-penn-vs-hughes-3-at-ufc-123 |title=TRILOGY: PENN VS. HUGHES 3 AT UFC 123|publisher=MMAWeekly.com |date=September 13, 2010}} Penn defeated Hughes in 21 seconds of the first round by knockout after flooring Hughes with a right hand and following with additional strikes on the mat.{{cite news |url = https://vancouversun.com/sports/Live+coverage+Machida+Jackson+Hughes+Penn/3861145/story.html |title = 'Rampage' Jackson wins thriller over Machida at UFC 123 |newspaper = The Vancouver Sun |date = November 20, 2010 |access-date = November 20, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101124143600/http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/Live+coverage+Machida+Jackson+Hughes+Penn/3861145/story.html |archive-date = November 24, 2010 |df = mdy-all }}{{cite web |url= http://mmaweekly.com/ufc-123-results-b-j-penn-turns-the-tide-sinks-matt-hughes |title=UFC 123 Results: B.J. Penn Turns The Tide, Sinks Matt Hughes |date=November 21, 2010 |publisher=MMAWeekly.com |access-date=July 25, 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110714105010/http://mmaweekly.com/ufc-123-results-b-j-penn-turns-the-tide-sinks-matt-hughes| archive-date= July 14, 2011 | url-status=live}} Penn earned knockout of the night honors for his performance. This fight earned him a $80,000 Knockout of the Night award.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/bj-penn-vs-matt-hughes-ufc-123-trilogy-ends-with-explosive-knockout/|title=BJ Penn vs. Matt Hughes UFC 123: Trilogy Ends with Explosive Knockout|publisher=cbsnews.com|author=Paul Hopkinson|date=2010-11-21|access-date=2025-03-14}}

{{blockquote|You're my idol -- Matt Hughes, you're my idol, you will always be my idol, thank you.|B.J. Penn, post fight at UFC 123.{{cite web |url=http://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/bouts/ufc-123-matt-hughes-vs-bj-the-prodigy-penn-iii-3 |title=BJ Penn vs. Matt Hughes III |publisher=Tapology.com |access-date=August 26, 2012}}}}

Following the UFC 123 post-fight press conference, UFC president Dana White said that Penn would fight top welterweight contender Jon Fitch at UFC 127 in Australia.{{cite web|url=http://mmaweekly.com/ufc-123-in-the-bag-bj-penn-faces-jon-fitch-next-at-ufc-127|title=UFC 123 in the Bag, B.J. Penn Faces Jon Fitch at UFC 127 Next |publisher=MMAWeekly.com|date=November 21, 2010}} Penn trained with Matt Hughes and Floyd Mayweather Sr. in preparation for the fight.{{cite web |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news?slug=mmaweekly-9760d7e1d86575a775dba70ba7483e1d |title= Matt Hughes Helped BJ Penn Train for UFC 127 Bout with Jon Fitch - UFC - Yahoo! Sports|website=sports.yahoo.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110218011510/https://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news?slug=mmaweekly-9760d7e1d86575a775dba70ba7483e1d |archive-date=February 18, 2011}}[http://ringsidereport.com/?p=6601 Floyd Mayweather Joins UFC: BJ Penn Shocker]. Ringside Report (January 8, 2011). Retrieved on 2011-10-30. Penn surprised Fitch by taking him to the ground instead of using his stand up skills. The fight ended in a draw, snapping Fitch's five fight UFC win streak, and Penn stated that he would gladly have a rematch in the future. UFC matchmaker Joe Silva stated that neither the fans nor the UFC are interested in a Penn-Fitch rematch.Nate, Kid. (July 11, 2011) [http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2011/7/11/2270875/ufc-nixes-b-j-penn-vs-jon-fitch-carlos-condit UFC Apparently Nixes B.J. Penn vs. Jon Fitch Rematch, Penn to Face Carlos Condit?]. Bloody Elbow. Retrieved on 2011-10-30.

Penn was expected to face Carlos Condit on October 29, 2011, at UFC 137.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/24420/carlos-condit-vs-b-j-penn-in-the-works-for-ufc-137-in-las-vegas.mma|title=Carlos Condit vs. B.J. Penn in the works for UFC 137 in Las Vegas|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=July 15, 2011}} B.J. Penn relocated his camp to Southern California in an effort to prepare for the bout. Penn was joined in California by former UFC middleweight and Ultimate Fighter winner Kendall Grove and B.J.'s brother Reagan Penn, as they both prepared for their August 27 fights on the ProElite show in Hawaii.{{cite web |url=http://mmaweekly.com/bj-penn-moves-camp-to-california-for-ufc-137-bout-kendall-grove-reagan-penn-join-him |title=BJ Penn Moves Camp to California for UFC 137 Bout; Kendall Grove, Reagan Penn Join Him |publisher=MMAweekly.com |date=July 27, 2011}} However, on September 7, Condit was pulled from the bout and replaced Nick Diaz in the main event against Georges St-Pierre.{{cite web | url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/25127/nick-diaz-out-carlos-condit-in-against-champ-georges-st-pierre-at-ufc-137.mma | title=Nick Diaz out, Carlos Condit in against Champ Georges St-Pierre at UFC 137 | publisher=MMAJunkie.com | date=September 7, 2011 | access-date=September 7, 2011}} Dana White stated that Penn will fight Nick Diaz in the main event at UFC 137 after GSP pulled out due to knee injury. Penn lost via unanimous decision after winning the first round by crisp boxing as well as mixing in a takedown against the former Strikeforce Welterweight Champion, but was unable to mount any significant offense or defense against Diaz's stand-up attack in the remaining two rounds. This fight earned him a $75,000 Fight of the Night award.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/ufc-137-main-event-results-diaz-tops-penn-calls-gsp-prodigy-says-it|title=UFC 137 Main Event Results - Diaz Tops Penn, Calls for GSP; 'The Prodigy' Says This Is It|publisher=ufc.com|author=Thomas Gerbasi|date=2011-10-29|access-date=2025-03-14}}

Immediately following the loss to Diaz, Penn announced his plans to retire, saying into the microphone, "Joe, this was probably the last time you'll see me in here. I can't keep performing at the top level. That's it Joe. I got a daughter and another daughter on the way, I don't want to go home looking like this. I'm done."{{cite news |url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2011/10/29/2524168/ufc-137-results-b-j-penn-retires-nick-diaz |title=UFC 137 Results: B.J. Penn Retires After Loss to Nick Diaz |newspaper=Bloody Elbow |date=October 29, 2011 |publisher=BloodyElbow}} On November 1, Penn posted a message to fans on his website indicating that he plans to take some time off, but the retirement decision is not yet official. He said, "I want to thank all the fans for their love and support. I have decided to take some time off to enjoy life, train and teach. I will keep you guys posted with what’s next."{{cite web | url=http://bjpenn.com/news/2011/10/31/ufc-137-bj-penns-message-to-the-fans-7172.html | title=UFC 137: BJ's Message to Fans | publisher=BJPenn.com | date=November 1, 2011 | access-date=November 1, 2011 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111101222232/http://bjpenn.com/news/2011/10/31/ufc-137-bj-penns-message-to-the-fans-7172.html | archive-date=November 1, 2011 | df=mdy-all }} A few months afterwards, B.J. tweeted angrily at both Jon Fitch and Nick Diaz, causing many to believe that Penn would be returning from his retirement within the near future. His manager has stated that the old B.J. is back and could be returning to MMA.{{cite web | url= http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2012/1/5/2685129/bj-penns-twitter-account-trashes-nick-diaz | title= BJ Penn Tweets Hard At Nick Diaz, Jon Fitch, Manager says BJ is back| work= Bloody Elbow| publisher=BJPenn.com | date=November 1, 2011 | access-date=January 5, 2012}} In April 2012 UFC president Dana White said B.J. Penn turned down a fight with the reigning Strikeforce Lightweight Champion, Gilbert Melendez, and that Penn wants to continue at 170 pounds "whenever he is ready". White also said he feels that B.J. Penn deserves to be in the UFC Hall of Fame, stating that he was a pioneer for the lightweight division, at a time when many believed that there couldn't be any stars at 155 pounds.{{cite web |url=http://www.mmafighting.com/news/2012/4/25/2975550/dana-white-tito-ortiz-bj-penn-deserve-to-be-in-ufc-hall-of-fame |title=Dana White: BJ Penn, Tito Ortiz deserve to be in UFC Hall of Fame|date=April 25, 2012}}{{cite web |url=http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2012/04/29/tito-ortiz-b-j-penn-both-set-for-hall-of-fame-induction/ |title=Ortiz, Penn both set for Hall of Fame induction}}

Several months after declaring his retirement from mixed martial arts, B.J. Penn announced that he would be returning to the octagon after repeated challenges made by welterweight prospect Rory MacDonald; stating, "Rory, I accept your challenge!".{{cite web |url=http://www.mmamania.com/2012/6/5/3066993/b-j-penn-cuts-ufc-retirement-short-accepts-rory-macdonald-challenge |title=B.J. Penn cuts UFC retirement short, accepts Rory MacDonald challenge|date=June 5, 2012}} Initially, Penn was expected to face Rory MacDonald on September 22, 2012, at UFC 152.{{cite web | url=http://www.mmamania.com/2012/6/9/3074277/ufc-152-bj-penn-vs-rory-macdonald-fight-booked-toronto-mma | title=BJ Penn vs Rory MacDonald fight booked for Sept. 22 in Toronto |publisher=mmamania.com |last=Mrosko |first=Gene |date=June 9, 2012 | access-date=June 9, 2012}} However, MacDonald pulled out of the bout after sustaining a cut to the forehead while training.{{cite web |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1285425-ufc-152-rory-macdonald-injured-and-out-of-bj-penn-fight |title=UFC 152: Rory MacDonald Injured and out of B.J. Penn Fight |website=Bleacher Report |date=August 5, 2012 |access-date=August 5, 2012 |last=Roth |first=Matthew}} Penn vs. MacDonald eventually took place on December 8, 2012, at UFC on Fox 5.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/30128/rory-macdonald-vs-b-j-penn-targeted-for-ufc-on-fox-5-co-headliner.mma|title=Rory MacDonald vs. B.J. Penn targeted for UFC on FOX 5 co-headliner|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=August 10, 2012}} Penn lost the fight via unanimous decision. After the fight Dana White stated that he'd like to see B.J. Penn retire from mixed martial arts, although Penn has hinted a desire to return to the UFC's lightweight division. Following months of silence regarding his future, Penn spoke with Ariel Helwani in an interview for UFC on Fox, where he admitted that he was still undecided on his future, telling him that "at this moment, my guess is probably a little better than yours, but I don't know, I'm enjoying what I'm doing."{{cite web |url=http://fightnetwork.com/news/39798:video-bj-penn-torn-between-retiring-and-ufc-comeback/ |title=Video - B.J. Penn Torn Between Retiring and UFC Comeback |publisher=FightNetwork |date=July 11, 2013 |access-date=September 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131011181041/http://fightnetwork.com/news/39798:video-bj-penn-torn-between-retiring-and-ufc-comeback/ |archive-date=October 11, 2013 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}

An announcement was made on UFC Tonight in September 2013 that Penn will return from his hiatus and move to the Featherweight division to coach against rival, Frankie Edgar for the 19th season of The Ultimate Fighter.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2013/9/11/4720906/b-j-penn-frankie-edgar-to-coach-the-ultimate-fighter-19-fight-at|title=B.J. Penn, Frankie Edgar to coach The Ultimate Fighter 19, fight at featherweight|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Dave Doyle|date=September 11, 2013}} This move marked Penn's second appearance serving as a head coach for The Ultimate Fighter, his first being The Ultimate Fighter 5, opposite Jens Pulver. The season aired on Fox Sports 1 and featured middleweight and light heavyweight contestants. The two coaches faced each other for the third time on July 6, 2014, at The Ultimate Fighter 19 Finale.{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/03/frankie-edgar-b-j-penn-headline-tuf-19-finale-card-july-6-in-las-vegas/|title=Frankie Edgar-B.J. Penn headline TUF 19 Finale card July 6 in Las Vegas|work=mmajunkie.com |author=Staff|date=March 19, 2014 |access-date=March 19, 2014}}

Penn returned to Nova União under coach André Pederneiras (who promoted Penn to black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 1999) in preparation for his fight camp against Edgar; training alongside former UFC Bantamweight Champion Renan Barão and UFC Featherweight Champion José Aldo.{{cite web |url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2013/9/17/4741206/andre-pederneiras-b-j-penn-will-train-with-jose-aldo-for-frankie-edgar |title=Andre Pederneiras: B.J. Penn will train with Jose Aldo for Frankie Edgar |date=September 17, 2013 |publisher=MMAFighting}} Later in the camp, he also enlisted former UFC Bantamweight Champion Dominick Cruz in Hilo, Hawaii for his preparation.{{cite web|url=http://www.bjpenn.com/photo-bj-penn-brings-in-dominick-cruz-in-prep-for-edgar-bout/|title=BJ Penn Brings In Dominick Cruz In Prep For Edgar Bout|publisher=BJPenn.com|access-date=June 5, 2014|archive-date=September 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923191539/http://www.bjpenn.com/photo-bj-penn-brings-in-dominick-cruz-in-prep-for-edgar-bout/|url-status=dead}} Penn lost the one sided bout by TKO in the third round.{{cite web |url=http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/20140706_Edgar_destroys_Penn_in_Ultimate_Fighter_finale.html|title=Edgar destroys Penn in Ultimate Fighter finale|work=staradvertiser.com |author=Staff|date=July 6, 2014 |access-date=July 6, 2014}} At the conclusion of the bout, Penn announced his intentions to retire again during the event's post-fight press conference.{{cite web |url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/BJ-Penn-Retires-After-3rd-Straight-Loss-I-Shouldnt-Have-Been-in-the-Ring-Tonight-70171|title=B.J. Penn Retires After 3rd Straight Loss; 'I Shouldn't Have Been in the Ring Tonight'|work=sherdog.com |author=C.J. Tuttle|date=July 6, 2014 |access-date=July 6, 2014}}

{{blockquote|He’s one of the best 155-pounders of all time. He built that weight class and he was responsible for helping build the UFC. That’s his legacy.|Dana White, during the post-fight press conference at The Ultimate Fighter 19 Finale.{{cite news |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/more-sports/bj-penn-has-no-answer-again-for-frankie-edgar-losing-for-a-third-time/article19488406/ |title=B.J. Penn has no answer again for Frankie Edgar, losing for a third time |newspaper=The Globe and Mail}}}}

In January 2016, after an 18-month hiatus, the 37 year old Penn announced his intentions to return to active competition with plans to continue in the UFC's featherweight division.{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/01/ex-champ-b-j-penn-ends-retirement-but-ufc-boss-still-unsure-on-details|title=Ex-champ B.J. Penn ends retirement, but UFC boss still unsure on details

|work=mmajunkie.com |author=Staff|date=January 19, 2016|access-date=January 19, 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com/ufc/story/ufc-bj-penn-says-his-return-has-been-pushed-back-to-ufc-197-in-april-020816|title=BJ Penn says his return has been pushed back to UFC 197 in April|work=foxsports.com|author=Damon Martin|date=2016-02-08|access-date=2016-02-08}} He was briefly expected to return in April 2016 at UFC 197. However, Penn's return was delayed after an investigation into criminal allegations made against him was launched.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2016/2/18/11048090/ufc-postpones-b-j-penns-return-amid-allegations|title=UFC postpones BJ Penn's return amid allegations|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=MMA Fighting Newswire|date=2016-02-18|access-date=2016-02-18}} In turn, Penn was expected to face Dennis Siver on June 4, 2016, at UFC 199.{{cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/04/b-j-penn-vs-dennis-siver-slated-for-ufc-199-in-los-angeles|title=B.J. Penn vs. Dennis Siver slated for UFC 199 in Los Angeles|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=2016-04-12|access-date=2016-04-12}} However, Siver was forced out of the bout in early May with an undisclosed injury.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2016/5/11/11645200/dennis-siver-injured-bounced-ufc-199-fight-against-bj-penn-los-angeles-mma|title=Dennis Siver injured, bounced from UFC 199 fight against BJ Penn|publisher=mmamania.com|author=Jesse Holland|date=2016-05-11|access-date=2016-05-11}} He was replaced by Cole Miller.{{cite news|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Cole-Miller-Steps-in-to-Face-BJ-Penn-at-UFC-199-in-Los-Angeles-104807|title=Cole Miller steps in to face B.J. Penn at UFC 199 in Los Angeles|publisher=sherdog.com|author=Tristen Critchfield|date=2016-05-11|access-date=2016-05-11}} Subsequently, Penn himself was removed from the card on May 23 after he was flagged for the use of a medically administered IV during a non-fight period, when the use of IV had been recently banned 365 days a year.{{cite news|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2016/5/23/11756738/bj-penn-flagged-anti-doping-violation-iv-ban-ufc-199-cole-miller-mma|title=BJ Penn flagged for possible anti-doping violation, pulled from UFC 199 fight with Cole Miller|publisher=mmamania.com|author=Thomas Myers|date=2016-05-23|access-date=2016-05-23}}

Penn was expected to face Ricardo Lamas on October 15, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 97.{{cite news|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2016/8/13/12464146/b-j-penn-vs-ricardo-lamas-in-the-works-for-ufc-fight-night-97-in|title=B.J. Penn vs. Ricardo Lamas in the works for UFC Fight Night 97 in Manila on Oct. 15|publisher=MMAmania.com|author=Dan Hiergesell|date=2016-08-13|access-date=2016-08-13}} However, on October 4, Penn pulled out of the fight citing an injury.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/10/injury-forces-b-j-penn-out-of-ufc-fight-night-97|title=Injury forces B.J. Penn out of UFC Fight Night 97 headliner|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=John Morgan|date=2016-10-04|access-date=2016-10-04}} In turn, the promotion announced on October 6 that they had cancelled the event entirely.{{cite web|url=http://www.ufc.com/news/UFC-Fight-Night-Manila-Lamas-Penn-to-be-Rescheduled|title=UFC Fight Night Manila: Lamas vs. Penn to be rescheduled|publisher=UFC|author=Staff|date=2016-10-06|access-date=2016-10-06}}{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/10/after-b-j-penns-withdrawal-ufc-cancels-next-weeks-ufc-fight-night-97-event-in-philippines|title=After B.J. Penn's withdrawal, UFC cancels next week's UFC Fight Night 97 event in Philippines|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=2016-10-06|access-date=2016-10-06}}

After three delays in getting his return fight scheduled, Penn returned to the UFC in early 2017. He faced Yair Rodríguez in the main event on January 15, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 103.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2016/11/21/13707552/yair-rodriguez-vs-b-j-penn-announced-as-ufc-phoenix-main-event|title=Yair Rodriguez vs. B.J. Penn announced as UFC Phoenix main event|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Dave Doyle|date=2016-11-21|access-date=2016-11-21}} Penn lost the one-sided fight via TKO in the second round.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/01/ufc-fight-night-103-results-yair-rodriguez-devastates-hall-of-famer-b-j-penn-for-tko-win|title=UFC Fight Night 103 results: Yair Rodriguez devastates Hall of Famer B.J. Penn for TKO win|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Steven Marrocco|date=2017-01-16|access-date=2017-01-16}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2017/1/16/14285050/ass-kicking-is-timeless-but-yair-rodriguez-made-b-j-penn-look-old|title=Ass kicking is timeless, but Yair Rodriguez made B.J. Penn look old|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Chuck Mindenhall|date=2017-01-16|access-date=2017-01-16}}

A rescheduled bout with Dennis Siver took place on June 25, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 112.{{cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/03/b-j-penn-dennis-siver-johny-hendricks-tim-boetsch-at-ufc-fight-night-112-in-oklahoma-city|title=B.J. Penn-Dennis Siver, Johny Hendricks-Tim Boetsch at UFC Fight Night 112 in Oklahoma City|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=2017-03-22|access-date=2017-03-22}} Penn lost the fight by majority decision.{{Cite news|url=http://www.bjpenn.com/mma-news/ufc-fight-night-112/ufc-fight-night-112-results-dennis-siver-defeats-bj-penn-decision/|title=UFC Fight Night 112 results: Dennis Siver defeats BJ Penn by decision (highlights) {{!}} BJPenn.com|date=2017-06-25|work={{!}} BJPenn.com|access-date=2017-06-26|language=en-US}}

For his next fight, Penn returned to lightweight to face Ryan Hall on December 29, 2018, at UFC 232; it was his third stint in the lightweight division.{{Cite news|url=https://www.khon2.com/sports/local-sports/hilo-s-bj-penn-will-fight-ryan-hall-at-ufc-232-in-las-vegas/1438364994|title=Hilo's B.J. Penn will fight Ryan Hall at UFC 232 in Las Vegas|last=Staff|first=Web|date=2018-09-13|work=KHON|access-date=2018-09-13|language=en-US|archive-date=September 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180913074035/https://www.khon2.com/sports/local-sports/hilo-s-bj-penn-will-fight-ryan-hall-at-ufc-232-in-las-vegas/1438364994|url-status=dead}} In preparation for the fight against Hall, Penn returned to train at Nova União.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2018/11/29/18117810/bj-penn-training-with-jose-aldo-renan-barao-brazil-ahead-ufc-232-return-mma|title=BJ Penn training with Jose Aldo and Renan Barao in Brazil ahead of UFC 232 return|author=Jesse Holland|date=November 29, 2018|publisher=mmamania.com}} Penn lost the fight via a heel hook submission in the first round.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2018/12/29/18160715/ufc-232-results-bj-penn-vs-ryan-hall-mma-news|title=UFC 232 results: Ryan Hall submits B.J. Penn with nasty heel hook|last=Alexander|first=Mookie|date=2018-12-29|website=Bloody Elbow|access-date=2018-12-30}}

Penn faced Clay Guida on May 11, 2019, at UFC 237.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2019/3/6/18253627/bj-penn-vs-clay-guida-in-the-works-ufc-237-mma-news|title=B.J. Penn vs. Clay Guida set for UFC 237|publisher=bloodyelbow.com|author=Mookie Alexander|work=Bloody Elbow |date=2019-03-06|access-date=2019-03-06}} He lost the fight by unanimous decision.{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2019/05/11/ufc-237-results-bj-penn-vs-guida/|title=UFC 237 Results: Strong Start for BJ Penn Not Enough, Clay Guida Wins Decision|last=Anderson|first=Jay|date=2019-05-11|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-12}}

On July 26, 2019, news surfaced that Penn was expected to face Nik Lentz in a grudge match, at a UFC event to be determined.{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2019/07/ufc-bj-penn-verbally-agrees-to-fight-nik-lentz|title=UFC Hall of Famer B.J. Penn will return amid 7-fight losing streak to face Nik Lentz|author=Steven Marrocco|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=July 26, 2019}} However, Penn was released from the promotion in early September after video evidence surfaced showing Penn fighting patrons in a bar brawl in Pahoa, Hawaii.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2019/08/ufc-bj-penn-bar-fight-video-hawaii|title=Videos show B.J. Penn in bar fight, getting knocked out in street fight|last=Marrocco|first=Steven|date=2019-08-28|website=mmajunkie.com|access-date=2019-09-05}}{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2019/09/dana-white-says-bj-penn-ufc-career-over-street-fight-videos-domestic-violence-allegation|title=Dana White: B.J. Penn's UFC career is over after recent street fight videos|last=Head|first=Simon|date=2019-09-05|website=mmajunkie.com|access-date=2019-09-05}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/BJ-Penn-Released-by-the-UFC-162603|title=B.J. Penn released by the UFC|last=Pettry|first=Jay|date=2019-09-26|website=Sherdog.com|access-date=2019-09-26}}

File:B.J. Penn.jpg

His nickname "B.J." is a shortened version of another nickname "Baby Jay", which itself derives from the fact that Penn is the last of three brothers named "Jay Dee Penn".{{cite web| url = http://www.knucklepit.com/mixed-martial-arts-bj_penn.htm| title = BJ PENN: The Day the Hawaiians Took Over| access-date = August 23, 2006| last = Wickert| first = Mark| year = 2004| work = Knucklepit.com| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060826092831/http://www.knucklepit.com/mixed-martial-arts-bj_penn.htm| archive-date = August 26, 2006| url-status=dead| df = mdy-all}} B.J.'s father, who is Irish and English, named 3 of his 4 children "Jay Dee", while the fourth is Reagan. In order to avoid confusion each of the sons named "Jay Dee" goes by a nickname: "Jay" (Jay Dee Penn), "Jay Dee" (Jay Dee Penn II), and "Baby Jay" (Jay Dee Penn III).{{cite web|last=Song |first=Jaymes |url=http://www.koreamjournal.com/Magazine/index.php/kj/2008/july/cover_story/the_ultimate_fighter |title=The Ultimate Fighter |work=KoreAm Journal |date=July 2008 |access-date=February 10, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090107133313/http://www.koreamjournal.com/Magazine/index.php/kj/2008/july/cover_story/the_ultimate_fighter |archive-date=January 7, 2009 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }} Penn's mother, Lorraine Shin, is of Hawaiian and Korean descent.

Being born in Hawaii, Penn takes much pride in his Hawaiian upbringing. Penn often plays Hawaiian music during his walk-out entrances, a combination of Hawaii ’78 into E Ala E, both performed by Hawaiian musician Israel Kamakawiwoʻole as a tribute to his Hawaiian heritage and respect for his opponents, fans and the fight game. Penn has also stated that he identifies strongly with his Korean roots and has traveled to South Korea to hold seminars. He also said that he gets his hot temper from his Korean side which helps him use this energy in his fights.

Penn has two daughters with the same mother. He says that they have never married and "it doesn't matter that much in Hawaii."{{cite news|url=http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20081123/SPORTS24/811230349/1213/sportsfront |title=Penn writes new chapter in his life |access-date=November 27, 2008 |last=Morinaga |first=Dayton |date=November 23, 2008 |work=Honolulu Advertiser |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081203062517/http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20081123/SPORTS24/811230349/1213/sportsfront |archive-date=December 3, 2008 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}{{cite web|url=http://pic.twitter.com/Yz8T1eBu| title = Penn's new baby}}

Penn is the co-author of Mixed Martial Arts: The Book of Knowledge, an instructional book on mixed martial arts fighting.{{cite web| url=http://www.lockflow.com/article_view.php?id=2730| title=Mixed Martial Arts: The Book of Knowledge Review| access-date=January 8, 2008| date=May 1, 2007| work=Lockflow.com| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071227193242/http://www.lockflow.com/article_view.php?id=2730| archive-date=December 27, 2007| url-status=dead| df=mdy-all}} Penn, along with Dave Weintraub, authored the autobiography Why I Fight: The Belt is Just an Accessory in 2010. The book debuted at #22 on the New York Times bestseller list.[https://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/02/books/bestseller/besthardnonfiction.html Hardcover Nonfiction – List]. NYTimes.com. Retrieved on October 30, 2011. Penn also appeared in the film Never Surrender in 2009.{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1307989/|title=Never Surrender (2009)|work=imdb.com|access-date=November 18, 2009}}

Penn was also the subject of a Paternity Lawsuit in relation to a daughter, approximately a year after the girl's birth.{{Cite web|url=https://jitsmagazine.com/paternity-lawsuit-filed-against-bj-penn/|title = Paternity Lawsuit Filed Against BJ Penn|date = December 8, 2020}} On the 5th of October, 2021, Penn also announced his intention to run for governor in the 2022 Hawaii gubernatorial election.{{Cite web|url=https://jitsmagazine.com/bj-penn-set-to-run-for-governor-of-hawaii/|title = BJ Penn Set to Run for Governor of Hawaii|date = October 6, 2021}} He lost the Republican primary, ending as the runner-up to winner Duke Aiona. Following the election, he filed a complaint with the Hawaii Supreme Court contesting the results.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2022/8/28/23325593/bj-penn-contesting-the-hawaii-governor-primary-election-results-citing-voter-suppression|title = B.J. Penn is officially contesting the Hawaii Governor Primary election results, citing voter suppression

|date = August 28, 2022}}

In 2024, Penn ran for Hawaii County Council in District 1 (North and South Hilo–Hamakua–Waimea).{{cite web|url=https://bigislandnow.com/2024/06/16/election-season-is-here-all-but-two-2024-hawai%CA%BBi-county-primary-races-feature-multiple-candidates/|title=Election season is here: All but two 2024 Hawaiʻi County primary races feature multiple candidates|date=2024-06-16|access-date=2024-06-25}}

Penn has an extended history of alcohol-induced violence. In January 2015, Penn was arrested in Kihei, Hawaii and charged with assault after a brawl outside of a bar.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmamania.com/platform/amp/2015/1/22/7871077/ufc-pic-bj-penn-mugshot-parking-lot-brawl-mma|title=Pic: BJ Penn mugshot reveals Hawaiian's torn-up face following parking lot brawl|work=MMA Mania|date=January 22, 2015}}

In 2019, Penn's estranged girlfriend, Shealen Uaiwa, filed a restraining order against him in October from her and Penn's children, alleging years of physical and sexual abuse. The order was granted in February 2019 and was in order through October 2021.{{Cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2830686-bj-penn-accused-of-physical-sexual-abuse-by-ex-partner-restraining-order-filed|title=BJ Penn Accused of Physical, Sexual Abuse by Ex-Partner; Restraining Order Filed|last=Wells|first=Adam|website=Bleacher Report|language=en|access-date=2019-04-11}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2019/4/11/18305740/estranged-girlfriend-of-b-j-penn-granted-restraining-order-against-him|title=Estranged girlfriend of B.J. Penn granted restraining order against him|last=Raimondi|first=Marc|date=2019-04-11|website=MMA Fighting|access-date=2019-04-11}}

In June 2019, an intoxicated Penn fought a bouncer outside of a Honolulu strip club.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tmz.com/2019/06/25/bj-penn-fight-strip-club-bouncer-cops-called-ufc/|title=UFC's B.J. Penn Strip Club Fight, 'He's Trying to Fight Everybody'|website=TMZ|date=June 26, 2019 |language=en|access-date=2019-08-29}}

On August 27, 2019, Penn was involved in a bar brawl on Hawaii's Big Island.{{Cite web|url=https://deadspin.com/b-j-penn-tells-shirtless-guy-to-punch-him-gets-knocke-1837672409|title=B.J. Penn Tells Shirtless Guy To Punch Him, Gets Knocked Out, Finds Guy Later To Jump And Punch Him|last=Redford|first=Patrick|website=Deadspin|date=August 28, 2019 |language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-29}} Subsequently, Penn was released from the UFC in early September following the incident.

On February 7, 2020, Penn was involved in a single-car accident in his home town of Hilo, Hawaii. According to local media, Penn was allegedly speeding when he lost control of his pickup truck and his vehicle flipped in front of a Hilo shopping mall. Penn was the only occupant of the vehicle, and he was transported to a nearby hospital by ambulance. Penn was investigated by the Hilo Police Department for DUI and his blood was drawn at the scene, but no charges were filed.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/02/ufc-bj-penn-car-accident-dui-police-investigation-hilo-hawaii/amp|title=UFC Hall of Famer B.J. Penn hospitalized after flipping car, investigated for possible DUI|work=MMA Junkie|date=February 12, 2020}}

On December 8, 2020, a paternity lawsuit was filed against Penn by the mother of his most recent child, Camila Amado.

On January 23, 2021, Penn was arrested in Honokaa, Hawaii, and was charged with DUI. Penn was later released from jail hours after his arrest pending an investigation. Video footage recorded from a bystander shows a handcuffed, drunk, and belligerent Penn yelling racial expletives at the police and the man recording while being assisted into an unmarked police vehicle.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmajunkie.com/2021/01/ufc-news-bj-penn-arrest-video-dui-released-pending-investigation/amp|title=B.J. Penn arrested, released on suspicion of DUI; angry encounter caught on video|author=Nolan King|work=MMA Junkie|date=2021-01-25|access-date=2021-01-25}}{{Cite web|last=Marrocco|first=Steven|date=2021-01-25|title=B.J. Penn arrested, released on suspicion of DUI, video shows belligerent encounter|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/1/25/22249183/b-j-penn-arrested-released-on-suspicion-of-dui-video-shows-belligerent-encounter|access-date=2021-01-26|website=MMA Fighting|language=en}}

Since his debut in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Penn emerged as one of the biggest stars in the history of the sport, headlining a total of eleven main-events (nine pay-per-view main-events) for the UFC during the course of his career (in addition to five for K-1). Penn was regarded as one of the most controversial and outspoken players in the history of mixed martial arts whose influence was considered instrumental in popularizing the UFC around the world in the 2000s and 2010s. His impact on the sport went beyond his UFC titles and dominant performances inside the octagon. A longtime advocate for drug testing in the sport, Penn was also the first to introduce an independent foundation in MMA to promote, coordinate and monitor the fight against performance-enhancing drugs in sports with the inclusion of Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) during his and his opponent's training camps.

Recognized for his role in the resurgence of the lightweight division, Penn is considered to have been the division's most influential figure, turning the weight class around (in bouts with Sean Sherk, Kenny Florian, Diego Sanchez, Jens Pulver, and Joe Stevenson) to become one of the UFC's most popular, at a time when they had considered disbanding the division altogether and many publications had questioned whether lighter-weights could be successful.{{cite web |url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2011/10/31/2525940/ufc-137-results-b-j-bj-penn-vs-nick-diaz-retirement-legacy-career |title=UFC 137 Results: The Great, Disappointing Career of B.J. Penn |date=October 31, 2011 |publisher=BloodyElbow}} His nickname, The Prodigy originates prior to him competing in mixed martial arts, from accomplishing his extraordinary feat in the sport of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (earning his black belt in just under three years and winning the black belt division in the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship only three weeks later).{{cite web |url=http://www.mmaconvert.com/2012/06/09/let-us-embrace-the-legacy-and-return-of-bj-penn/ |title=Let Us Embrace The Legacy And Return Of BJ Penn |publisher=MMAConvert |last=Becker |first=Dana}}{{cite web|url=http://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/bj-penn-wiki|title=BJ Penn|date=February 27, 2010 |publisher=BJJ Heroes|access-date=July 9, 2017}} His biography on the UFC website expressed this accomplishment as "an astonishing achievement in a sport where it takes the average athlete ten years or more to reach black belt status.{{cite web |url=https://www.ufcespanol.com/athlete/bj-penn |title=BJ "The Prodigy" Penn |date=September 14, 2018 |publisher=UFC}}

The Ultimate Fighting Championship's inaugural signature gym located in Honolulu, Hawaii, 'UFC Gym BJ Penn' is named in Penn's honor.{{cite web |url=http://www.ufc.ca/news/ufc-gym-hawaii-bj-penn-center-enrollment-open |title=UFC Gym in Hawaii Open for Enrollment |date=September 14, 2018 |publisher=UFC}} The gym has grown to become one of the largest and most successful in the state of Hawaii.{{cite web|url=http://www.insidemma.com.au/fighters/360-bj-penn-i-dont-get-surprised-any-more-when-it-comes-to-mma|title=FightLiveTV - BJ Penn: They should test for every possible PED in the world|access-date=September 11, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140911115339/http://www.insidemma.com.au/fighters/360-bj-penn-i-dont-get-surprised-any-more-when-it-comes-to-mma|archive-date=September 11, 2014|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} Penn (in his knockout victory over former UFC Lightweight Champion Sean Sherk) is featured in the UFC "Evolution" pay-per-view introduction.{{cite web |url=http://www.mixedmartialarts.com/news/382538.. |title=Details about new UFC PPV intro |publisher=Mixedmartialarts.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109225223/http://www.mixedmartialarts.com/news/382538.. |archive-date=January 9, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}

He is widely considered one of the greatest lightweight (155 lbs) competitors in the sport's history,{{cite web |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1803396-tuf-19-bj-penn-comes-full-circle-against-frankie-edgar |title=BJ Penn Comes Full Circle Against Frankie Edgar |publisher=BleacherReport}}{{cite web |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1425422-bj-penn-tribute-to-the-greatest-lightweight-of-all-time |title=BJ Penn: Tribute to the Greatest Lightweight of All Time |website=Bleacher Report |date=December 23, 2009}}{{cite web |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1420224-ranking-the-goats-of-each-weight-division-in-mma/page/4 |title=Ranking the GOATS of Each Weight Division in MMA |website=Bleacher Report |date=December 23, 2009}}{{cite web |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/802809-the-10-best-mma-fighters-of-all-time-by-division/page/7 |title=The 10 Best MMA Fighters of All Time, by Division |website=Bleacher Report |date=December 23, 2009}} and as one of the greatest Welterweight (170 lbs) competitors as well due to his performances against Georges St-Pierre and Matt Hughes.{{cite web |url=http://www.lowkickmma.com/UFC/170lbs-of-gold-five-greatest-welterweights-in-ufc-history-17745 |title=170lbs of Gold: Five greatest Welterweights in UFC history |publisher=LowkickMMA |last=Gurevich |first=Anton|date=October 30, 2012 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.mma-manifesto.com/2010-articles/september/five-best-welterweights-of-all-time.html |title=FIVE BEST WELTERWEIGHTS OF ALL-TIME |publisher=MMA Manifesto |last=Fox |first=Jeff}} Penn was also simultaneously ranked number one in both of these divisions following his back-to-back submission victories over Takanori Gomi and Matt Hughes, where he is the only fighter to hold such an honor.{{cite web |url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2012/12/2/3719900/ufc-fox-b-j-penn-road-to-octagon-show-rory-macdonald-mma-news |title=B.J. Penn's quest to regain lost stature steals 'Road to the Octagon' show |date=December 2, 2012 |publisher=MMAFighting}}{{cite web |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1678759-breaking-down-the-recipe-for-the-ideal-ufc-superstar |title=Breaking Down the Recipe for the Ideal UFC Superstar |publisher=BleacherReport}}

Renowned boxing coach Freddie Roach has famously described Penn as the best boxer in all of mixed martial arts.{{cite web |url=http://www.lowkickmma.com/UFC/Freddy-Roach-BJ-Penn-GSP-and-Anderson-Silva-are-TOP-3-Boxers-in-MMA-15536 |title=Freddy Roach: BJ Penn, GSP and Anderson Silva are the TOP 3 Boxers in MMA |publisher=LowKickMMA |last=Gurevich |first=Anton|date=March 30, 2012 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/bj-penn-the-prodigy |title="The Prodigy" BJ Penn |publisher=Tapology}} Former UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva, has said on numerous occasions that he believes Penn to be the greatest pound-for-pound fighter in the history of the sport.{{cite news |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/anderson-silva-says-bj-penn-003458975--mma.html|title=Anderson Silva Says BJ Penn is the Greatest Mixed Martial Artist of All Time |work=Yahoo! Sports}}{{cite web |url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2013/6/26/4467834/who-is-mmas-best-of-all-time-anderson-silva-says-its-b-j-penn|title=Who is MMA's best of all time? Anderson Silva says it's B.J. Penn |publisher=MMAFighting |last=Chiappetta |first=Mike|date=June 26, 2013 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2013/6/26/4468864/ufc-162-anderson-silva-calls-b-j-penn-greatest-fighter-of-all-time-mma-news |title=Anderson Silva calls B.J. Penn greatest fighter of all time |publisher=BloodyElbow |last=Hall |first=Chris|date=June 26, 2013 }}{{cite web |url=http://mmafrenzy.com/90542/anderson-silva-bj-penn-is-greatest-fighter-ever/ |title=Anderson Silva: BJ Penn is Greatest Fighter Ever |publisher=MMAFrenzy |last=Mowatt |first=Kelsey |access-date=July 10, 2013 |archive-date=July 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711232202/https://www.mmafrenzy.com/90542/anderson-silva-bj-penn-is-greatest-fighter-ever/ |url-status=dead }} UFC Hall of Famer, UFC 10 and UFC 11 Tournament Champion and former UFC Heavyweight Champion Mark Coleman acknowledges Penn as his idol in the sport of mixed martial arts.{{cite web |url=http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/UFC_2/article_18815.shtml#.UloiEFDrz4g |title=UFC Hall of Famer Mark Coleman joins B.J. Penn's coaching staff for The Ultimate Fighter 19 |publisher=MMA Torch}} Penn was ranked within the top five in the FightersOnly! Magazine '100 Greatest Fighters in History'.{{cite web |url=http://www.fightersonlymag.com/content/news/the-top-100-mma-fighters-no-04-bj-penn |title=THE TOP 100 MMA FIGHTERS: NO. 04: BJ PENN |publisher=FighterOnly! Magazine }}{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

During the televised broadcast of UFC 187 in May 2015, it was revealed on Fox Sports that Penn would be inducted into the revamped UFC Hall of Fame under the Modern Category during International Fight week festivities prior to UFC 189.{{cite web |url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2015/7/11/8933851/b-j-penn-bas-rutten-jeff-blatnick-hughes-trigg-2-inducted-into-ufc|title=B.J. Penn, Bas Rutten, Jeff Blatnick, Hughes-Trigg 2 inducted into UFC Hall of Fame|work=mmafighting.com |author=Shaun Al-Shatti|date=May 23, 2015 |access-date=May 23, 2015}}

{{clear}}

{{Col-begin}}

{{Col-2}}

• Ultimate Fighting Championship
• UFC Hall of Fame (Modern Wing, Class of 2015)
• UFC Lightweight Championship (One time)
• Three successful title defenses
• Tied (Benson Henderson, Frankie Edgar and Khabib Nurmagomedov) for the second most consecutive Lightweight title defenses in UFC history (3){{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-311-post-event-facts-champs-islam-makhachev-merab-dvalishvili-break-longstanding-records|title=UFC 311 post-event facts: Champs Islam Makhachev, Merab Dvalishvili break longstanding records|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Mike Bohn|date=2025-01-19|access-date=2025-01-19}}
• Most title bouts in UFC Lightweight division history (8)
• Tied (Islam Makhachev) for most finishes in title bouts in UFC Lightweight division history (4)
• Most knockouts in title bouts in UFC Lightweight division history (2)
• UFC Welterweight Championship (One time)
• UFC 41 Lightweight Tournament Co-Champion (drew with Caol Uno in the finale)
• Second Multi-Divisional Champion in UFC History
• Only combatant to win both the UFC Lightweight Championship and UFC Welterweight Championship
• Unofficially Unified the UFC Lightweight Championship¹
• Fight of the Night (Two times) vs. Matt Hughes II, Nick Diaz
• Knockout of the Night (One time) vs. Matt Hughes III
• Submission of the Night (Two times) vs. Joe Stevenson, Kenny Florian
• UFC Encyclopedia Awards
• Fight of the Night (Two times) {{small|vs. Georges St-Pierre I and Jens Pulver}}{{cite book |last= Gerbasi|first= Thomas|date= 2011-10-17|title= UFC Encyclopedia - The Definitive Guide to the Ultimate Fighting Championship|location= New York|publisher= DK|page= 185|isbn=978-0756683610}}{{cite book |last= Gerbasi|first= Thomas|date= 2011-10-17|title= UFC Encyclopedia - The Definitive Guide to the Ultimate Fighting Championship|location= New York|publisher= DK|page= 193|isbn=978-0756683610}}
• Submission of the Night (One time) {{small|vs. Matt Hughes I}}{{cite book |last= Gerbasi|first= Thomas|date= 2011-10-17|title= UFC Encyclopedia - The Definitive Guide to the Ultimate Fighting Championship|location= New York|publisher= DK|page= 189|isbn=978-0756683610}}
• Knockout of the Night (One time) {{small|vs. Caol Uno}}{{cite book |last= Gerbasi|first= Thomas|date= 2011-10-17|title= UFC Encyclopedia - The Definitive Guide to the Ultimate Fighting Championship|location= New York|publisher= DK|page= 189|isbn=978-0756683610}}
• Second most consecutive losses in UFC history (7) {{small|(behind Tony Ferguson)}}{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-news-records-longest-losing-streaks-skids-history-tony-ferguson-bj-penn|title=Tony Ferguson, B.J. Penn and the longest losing skids in UFC history|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Mike Bohn|date=2024-08-06|access-date=2024-08-07}}
• UFC.com Awards
• 2006: Ranked #2 Fight of the Year {{small|vs. Georges St. Pierre 1}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=4144|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070108115733/http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=4144|url-status=dead|archive-date=2007-01-08|title=Ten Best – The Top UFC Fights of 2006|date=January 5, 2007|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}} & Ranked #7 Fight of the Year {{small|vs. Matt Hughes 2}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=4144|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070108115733/http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=4144|url-status=dead|archive-date=2007-01-08|title=Ten Best – The Top UFC Fights of 2006|date=January 5, 2007|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}}
• 2007: Ranked #7 Submission of the Year {{small|vs. Jens Pulver}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=9377|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080125205304/http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=9377|url-status=dead|archive-date=2008-01-25|title=Ten Best – The Best Submissions of 2007|date=December 31, 2007|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}}
• 2008: Ranked #8 Fighter of the Year{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/highly-unofficial-2008-ufc-awards-fighters|title=The Highly Unofficial 2008 UFC Awards - The Fighters|author=Thomas Gerbasi|date=December 28, 2008|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}}
• 2009: Ranked #4 Fighter of the Year{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/ten-best-fighters-2009|title=Ten Best – The Fighters of 2009|author=Thomas Gerbasi|date=December 22, 2009|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}}
• 2010: Ranked #3 Knockout of the Year {{small|vs. Matt Hughes 3}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/ten-best-knockouts-2010|title=Ten Best – The Knockouts of 2010|author=Thomas Gerbasi|date=December 17, 2010|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}}
• K-1 Fighting Network
• Rumble on the Rock Lightweight Championship (One time)
• K-1 World Grand Prix Hawaii Superfight Winner
• Sports Illustrated (SI.com)
• 2000s Fighter of the Decade (Top Ten){{cite magazine |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/magazine/specials/2000s/12/16/top.mma.fighters/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100116083218/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/magazine/specials/2000s/12/16/top.mma.fighters/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 16, 2010 |title=Fedor Emelianenko, Anderson Silva among MMA's best of decade |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=December 16, 2009 |last=Gross |first=Josh |access-date=September 3, 2012}}
• UFC's Greatest Fight (First Place) vs. Matt Hughes on September 23, 2006{{cite magazine |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/0706/ufc.greatest.fights/content.10.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070825025247/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/0706/ufc.greatest.fights/content.10.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 25, 2007 |title=UFC's Greatest Fights 10 of 10 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |last=Martin |first=Todd |access-date=September 3, 2012}}
• UFC's Greatest Fight (Eighth Place) vs. Georges St-Pierre on March 4, 2006{{cite magazine |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/0706/ufc.greatest.fights/content.3.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070809084652/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/0706/ufc.greatest.fights/content.3.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 9, 2007 |title=UFC's Greatest Fights 10 of 10 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |last=Martin |first=Todd |access-date=September 3, 2012}}

{{Col-2}}

• MMA Fighting{{cite web |url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2007/01/01/mmafightingcom-2006-year-end-awards |title=MMA Fighting.com 2006 Year End Awards |publisher=MMAFighting.com |date=January 1, 2007 |access-date=May 5, 2012}}
• Lightweight Fighter of the Year (2003)
• Welterweight Fighter of the Year (2004)
• Welterweight Fighter of the Year Runner-Up (2006)
• Fight of the Year (2006) vs. Georges St-Pierre on March 4, 2006
• Fight Matrix{{cite web |url=http://www.fightmatrix.com/fightmatrix-awards |title=Fight Matrix Awards |publisher=FightMatrix.com |access-date=September 3, 2012}}
• Rookie of the Year (2001)
• Fighter of the Year (2004)
• Most Noteworthy Match of Year (2002) vs. Jens Pulver on January 11, 2002
• Most Noteworthy Match of Year (2009) vs. Georges St-Pierre on January 31, 2009
• Fight! Magazine
• 2000s Fighter of the Decade (Top Five){{cite web|url=http://news.fightmagazine.com/greatest-mma-fighters-2986/|title=Fedor Emelianenko - Fighter of the Decade|date=December 25, 2009|work=FightMagazine.com|access-date=January 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100108184859/http://news.fightmagazine.com/greatest-mma-fighters-2986/|archive-date=January 8, 2010|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}
• Mixed Martial Arts Lifetime Achievement Award{{cite web |url=http://www.fightmagazine.com/mma-magazine/mma-article.asp?aid=322&issid=17 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140223112719/http://www.fightmagazine.com/mma-magazine/mma-article.asp?aid=322&issid=17 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2014-02-23 |title=2008 FIGHT! Magazine Awards |publisher=FightMagazine.com }}
• Submission of the Year (2009) vs. Kenny Florian on August 8, 2009{{cite web|url=http://www.fightmagazine.com/mma-magazine/mma-article.asp?aid=455&issid=33 |title=2009 FIGHT! Magazine Awards |publisher=FightMagazine.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711000538/http://www.fightmagazine.com/mma-magazine/mma-article.asp?aid=455&issid=33 |archive-date=July 11, 2011 |df=mdy }}

Bleacher Report

• 2000s Lightweight Fighter of the Decade{{cite web |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/313619-mma-awards-of-the-decade/page/11 |title=MMA Awards of the Decade |website=Bleacher Report |date=December 23, 2009}}
• MMA's Greatest Lightweight of All-time
• Black Belt Magazine
• Black Belt Magazine Hall of Fame{{cite web |url=http://www.blackbeltmag.com/daily/martial-arts-videos/mma-videos/bj-penn-blackbelt-hall-of-fame/ |title=BJ PENN INDUCTED INTO THE BLACKBELT HALL OF FAME |publisher=BlackBeltMag.com |last=Horwitz |first=Raymond}}
• NHB Fighter of the Year (2008)
• Eurosport Fight Club
• Full-Contact Fighter of the Year (2004){{cite news|last=Pusey|first=Trent|title=2008 Inside Fights Awards|url=http://eurosport.com/2007/01/05/63762/|access-date=September 5, 2012|publisher=Eurosport|date=January 5, 2007}}{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
• Fight of the Year (2006) vs. Matt Hughes on September 23, 2006
• Sherdog Awards
• Mixed Martial Arts Hall of Fame{{cite web |url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/11/Imagining-an-MMA-Hall-of-Fame-The-ShooIns-71497 |title=SHERDOG.COM'S MMA HALL OF FAME |publisher=Sherdog.com |last=Martin |first=Todd}}
• Fighter of the Year – Honorable Mention (2004){{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Sherdogcom-Names-Wanderlei-Silva-2004-Fighter-of-the-Year-2259|title=Sherdog.com Names Wanderlei Silva 2004 Fighter of the Year|last=Sherdog.com}}
• Beatdown of the Year (2008) vs. Joe Stevenson on January 19, 2008[http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/7/Sherdogs-Miscellaneous-Awards-for-2008-15727 Beatdown of the Year – Sherdog’s Miscellaneous Awards for 2008]. Sherdog.com. Retrieved on October 30, 2011.

• International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation
• 2000 World Jiu-Jitsu Championship Gold Medal; black belt division
• First American to win gold in the black belt category
• 1998 World Jiu-Jitsu Championship Silver Medal; blue belt division
• 1999 World Jiu-Jitsu Championship Bronze Medal; brown belt division
• 2000 CBJJ Brazilian Team Championships – Marrom Preta Leve: Nova Uniao
• Other
• Grapplers Quest Lightweight Championship Superfight Winner
• 1997 Joe Moreira Tournament – Blue belt, 1st place
• 1999 Copa Pacific Tournament – Gold medal

{{Col-end}}

1 {{note|1}} Penn unofficially unified the UFC Lightweight Championship when he defeated Sean Sherk at UFC 84.{{cite web |url=http://www.mmamania.com/2011/10/27/2516764/history-in-the-making-b-j-penn-becomes-the-undisputed-lightweight |title=History in the Making: B.J. Penn becomes the undisputed lightweight king at UFC 84 |publisher=MMA Mania |last=Hernandez |first=Sergio|date=October 27, 2011 }}

{{MMArecordbox

| draws= 2

| nc=

| ko-wins= 7

| ko-losses= 4

| sub-wins= 6

| sub-losses= 1

| dec-wins= 3

| dec-losses= 9

| dq-wins=

| dq-losses=

| other-wins=

| other-losses=}}

{{MMA record start}}

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|{{nowrap|16–14–2}}

|Clay Guida

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC 237

|{{dts|2019|May|11}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

|

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|16–13–2

|Ryan Hall

|Submission (heel hook)

|UFC 232

|{{dts|2018|December|29}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|2:46

|Inglewood, California, United States

|{{small|Return to Lightweight.}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|16–12–2

|Dennis Siver

|Decision (majority)

|UFC Fight Night: Chiesa vs. Lee

|{{dts|2017|June|25}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States

|

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|16–11–2

|Yair Rodríguez

|TKO (punches)

|UFC Fight Night: Rodríguez vs. Penn

|{{dts|2017|January|15}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|0:24

|Phoenix, Arizona, United States

|

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center|16–10–2

| Frankie Edgar

| TKO (punches)

| The Ultimate Fighter: Team Edgar vs. Team Penn Finale

| {{dts|2014|July|6}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 4:16

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

| {{small|Featherweight debut.}}

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 16–9–2

| Rory MacDonald

| Decision (unanimous)

| UFC on Fox: Henderson vs. Diaz

| {{dts|2012|December|8|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Seattle, Washington, United States

|

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 16–8–2

| Nick Diaz

| Decision (unanimous)

| UFC 137

| {{dts|2011|October|29|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

| {{small|UFC Welterweight title eliminator. Fight of the Night.}}

|-

| {{draw}}Draw

| align=center| 16–7–2

| Jon Fitch

| Draw (majority)

| UFC 127

| {{dts|2011|February|27|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Sydney, Australia

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 16–7–1

| Matt Hughes

| KO (punches)

| UFC 123

| {{dts|2010|November|20|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 0:21

| Auburn Hills, Michigan, United States

| {{small|Return to Welterweight. Knockout of the Night.}}

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 15–7–1

| Frankie Edgar

| Decision (unanimous)

| UFC 118

| {{dts|2010|August|28|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 5

| align=center| 5:00

| Boston, Massachusetts, United States

| {{small|For the UFC Lightweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 15–6–1

| Frankie Edgar

| Decision (unanimous)

| UFC 112

| {{dts|2010|April|10|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 5

| align=center| 5:00

| Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

| {{small|Lost the UFC Lightweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 15–5–1

| Diego Sanchez

| TKO (doctor stoppage)

| UFC 107

| {{dts|2009|December|12|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 5

| align=center| 2:37

| Memphis, Tennessee, United States

| {{small|Defended the UFC Lightweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 14–5–1

| Kenny Florian

| Submission (rear-naked choke)

| UFC 101

| {{dts|2009|August|8|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 4

| align=center| 3:54

| Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

| {{small|Defended the UFC Lightweight Championship. Submission of the Night.}}

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 13–5–1

| Georges St-Pierre

| TKO (corner stoppage)

| UFC 94

| {{dts|2009|January|31|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 4

| align=center| 5:00

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

| {{small|For the UFC Welterweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 13–4–1

| Sean Sherk

| TKO (knee and punches)

| UFC 84

| {{dts|2008|May|24|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

| {{small|Defended the UFC Lightweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 12–4–1

| Joe Stevenson

| Submission (rear-naked choke)

| UFC 80

| {{dts|2008|January|19|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 4:02

| Newcastle upon Tyne, England

| {{small|Won the vacant UFC Lightweight Championship. Submission of the Night.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 11–4–1

| Jens Pulver

| Submission (rear-naked choke)

| The Ultimate Fighter 5 Finale

| {{dts|2007|June|23|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 3:12

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

| {{small|Return to Lightweight.}}

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 10–4–1

| Matt Hughes

| TKO (punches)

| UFC 63

| {{dts|2006|September|23|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 3:53

| Anaheim, California, United States

| {{small|For the UFC Welterweight Championship. Fight of the Night.}}

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 10–3–1

| Georges St-Pierre

| Decision (split)

| UFC 58

| {{dts|2006|March|4|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

| {{small|Return to Welterweight. UFC Welterweight title eliminator.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 10–2–1

| Renzo Gracie

| Decision (unanimous)

| K-1: World Grand Prix Hawaii

| {{dts|2005|July|29|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Honolulu, Hawaii, United States

| {{small|Light Heavyweight bout; Penn weighed in at 191 lbs and Gracie at 185 lbs.{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7u2S7SIMfgo&ab_channel=K1|title=B.J.Penn vs. Renzo Gracie|website=YouTube|date=December 17, 2009 }}}}

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 9–2–1

| Lyoto Machida

| Decision (unanimous)

| K-1: Hero's 1

| {{dts|2005|March|26|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Saitama, Japan

| {{small|Openweight bout; Penn weighed in at 191 lbs and Machida at 225 lbs.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 9–1–1

| Rodrigo Gracie

| Decision (unanimous)

| K-1 Rumble on the Rock 6

| {{dts|2004|November|20|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Honolulu, Hawaii, United States

| {{small|Middleweight bout.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 8–1–1

| Duane Ludwig

| Submission (arm-triangle choke)

| K-1 MMA: Romanex

| {{dts|2004|May|22|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 1:45

| Saitama, Japan

| {{small|}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 7–1–1

| Matt Hughes

| Submission (rear-naked choke)

| UFC 46

| {{dts|2004|January|31|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 4:39

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

| {{small|Welterweight debut. Won the UFC Welterweight Championship. Penn was stripped of the title on May 17, 2004 after leaving the UFC following a contract dispute.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 6–1–1

| Takanori Gomi

| Submission (rear-naked choke)

| K-1 Rumble on the Rock 4

| {{dts|2003|October|10|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 2:35

| Honolulu, Hawaii, United States

| {{small|Won the Rumble on the Rock Lightweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{draw}}Draw

| align=center| 5–1–1

| Caol Uno

| Draw (split)

| UFC 41

| {{dts|2003|February|28|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 5

| align=center| 5:00

| Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States

| {{small|For the vacant UFC Lightweight Championship. UFC Lightweight Tournament Final.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 5–1

| Matt Serra

| Decision (unanimous)

| UFC 39

| {{dts|2002|September|27|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Uncasville, Connecticut, United States

| {{small|UFC Lightweight Tournament Semifinal.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 4–1

| Paul Creighton

| TKO (punches)

| UFC 37

| {{dts|2002|May|10|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 3:23

| Bossier City, Louisiana, United States

|

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 3–1

| Jens Pulver

| Decision (majority)

| UFC 35

| {{dts|2002|January|11|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 5

| align=center| 5:00

| Uncasville, Connecticut, United States

| {{small|For the UFC Lightweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 3–0

| Caol Uno

| KO (punches)

| UFC 34

| {{dts|2001|November|2|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 0:11

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

| {{small|UFC Lightweight title eliminator.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 2–0

| Din Thomas

| KO (knee and punches)

| UFC 32

| {{dts|2001|June|29|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 2:42

| East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 1–0

| Joey Gilbert

| TKO (punches)

| UFC 31

| {{dts|2001|May|4|format=mdy}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 4:57

| Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States

| {{small|Lightweight debut.}}{{end}}

{{Cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/BJ-Penn-1307|title=B.J.|last=Sherdog.com|website=Sherdog|access-date=2018-12-30}}

• List of UFC champions
• List of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners

{{Notelist}}

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{commons category}}

• {{Official website|http://www.bjpenn.com}}
• {{IMDb name|2025098}}
• {{Sherdog|1307}}
• {{UFC|bj-penn}}
• [http://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/bj-penn-wiki BJJ Heroes BJ Penn Profile]
• [http://mmaquotes.blogspot.ca/2013/06/bj-penn-quotes.html BJ Penn Quotes]

{{S-start}}

{{s-sports}}

{{s-new | rows=1}}

{{s-ttl|title=Rumble on the Rock Lightweight Champion|years=October 10, 2003 – January 31, 2004}}

{{s-vac | reason=Penn signed with UFC}}

|-

{{s-bef| before=Matt Hughes}}

{{s-ttl| title=UFC Welterweight Champion|years=January 31, 2004 – May 17, 2004}}

{{s-vac| reason=Penn signed with K-1|next=Matt Hughes}}

|-

{{s-vac|last=Sean Sherk}}

{{s-ttl|title=UFC Lightweight Champion|years=January 19, 2008 – April 10, 2010}}

{{s-aft|after=Frankie Edgar}}

{{S-end}}

{{UFC Hall of Fame}}

{{UFC Welterweight Championship}}

{{UFC Lightweight Championship}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Penn, B.J.}}

Category:1978 births

Category:Living people

Category:American athlete-politicians

Category:American male mixed martial artists

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