"B.J." Penn, an American former professional mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter and accomplished Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner, holds the distinction of being a former UFC Lightweight Champion and UFC Welterweight Champion. Notably, he stands as the second fighter in UFC history to achieve championship titles across two different weight divisions.
December 13, 1978: Birth of B.J. Penn
On December 13, 1978, Jay Dee "B.J." Penn III was born. He would go on to become a prominent figure in mixed martial arts and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
1997: B.J. Penn Begins Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Training
In 1997, B.J. Penn began his formal training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under the tutelage of Ralph Gracie, marking the start of his journey in the martial art.
1998: B.J. Penn Earns Silver at World Jiu-Jitsu Championship
In 1998, B.J. Penn participated in the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship while at the blue belt level and secured a second-place finish, taking home the silver medal.
1999: B.J. Penn Wins Bronze at World Jiu-Jitsu Championship
In 1999, B.J. Penn, competing at the brown belt level, achieved a third-place finish at the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship, earning a bronze medal for his performance.
2000: B.J. Penn Makes History at World Jiu-Jitsu Championship
In 2000, B.J. Penn made history by becoming the first non-Brazilian to win the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship at the black belt level, a remarkable accomplishment that solidified his place in jiu-jitsu history.
May 24, 2001: B.J. Penn's UFC Debut
May 24, 2001, marked B.J. Penn's entry into the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He won his debut fight against Joey Gilbert at UFC 31, announcing his arrival in the organization.
2003: B.J. Penn Wins Rumble on the Rock Lightweight Championship
In 2003, B.J. Penn faced Takanori Gomi at Rumble on the Rock, securing a victory that earned him his first MMA championship title - the Rumble on the Rock Lightweight Championship.
2004: B.J. Penn Defeats Duane Ludwig
B.J. Penn continued his winning ways in 2004, adding another victory to his record by defeating Duane Ludwig at the K-1 MMA Romanex event.
2004: B.J. Penn Wins UFC Welterweight Championship
In a stunning upset, B.J. Penn defeated Matt Hughes at UFC 46 in 2004 to claim the UFC Welterweight Championship, marking one of the most significant victories of his career.
March 26, 2005: B.J. Penn Faces Lyoto Machida at K-1 Hero's 1
March 26, 2005, saw B.J. Penn step into the ring against future UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Lyoto Machida at K-1 Hero's 1. Penn faced a loss by unanimous decision in this open weight class bout.
September 23, 2006: B.J. Penn's Rematch against Matt Hughes at UFC 63
September 23, 2006, marked the much-anticipated rematch between B.J. Penn and Matt Hughes for the welterweight title at UFC 63. Despite controlling the early rounds, Penn sustained a rib injury that hampered his performance, ultimately leading to his defeat by TKO in the third round.
2006: B.J. Penn Returns to UFC, Faces Georges St-Pierre
After a period away from the organization, B.J. Penn returned to the UFC in 2006. His return fight was against Georges St-Pierre, a bout that would determine the top welterweight contender. Though he lost by split decision, Penn's performance was highly regarded.
April 5, 2007: B.J. Penn as Coach on The Ultimate Fighter 5
Taking on a mentorship role, B.J. Penn served as a coach on The Ultimate Fighter 5, which premiered on April 5, 2007. He led a team of lightweight fighters, guiding them through the competition.
June 23, 2007: B.J. Penn's Rematch against Jens Pulver at The Ultimate Fighter 5 Finale
On June 23, 2007, B.J. Penn faced Jens Pulver in a rematch at The Ultimate Fighter 5 Finale. Penn emerged victorious, submitting Pulver in the second round and putting their rivalry to rest.
July 7, 2007: Announcement of Penn's fight against Lightweight Champion Sean Sherk
On July 7, 2007, it was announced that B.J. Penn would stay in the Lightweight division to fight the reigning champion, Sean Sherk.
January 19, 2008: Penn's fight against Joe Stevenson for the Interim Lightweight title
With Sean Sherk's title status unclear due to suspension, the UFC scheduled a fight between B.J. Penn and Joe Stevenson for the Interim Lightweight title on January 19, 2008.
May 24, 2008: Penn defends Lightweight title against Sean Sherk
On May 24, 2008, B.J. Penn defended his Lightweight title against former champion Sean Sherk at UFC 84. Penn won the fight by TKO in the third round after landing a flying left knee to Sherk's head.
2008: Penn becomes Lightweight Champion, defeating Joe Stevenson
In 2008, B.J. Penn won the Lightweight Championship by defeating Joe Stevenson via rear-naked choke in the second round. This victory earned him the Sherdog Beatdown of the Year award and made him the second fighter in UFC history to win titles in two different weight classes.
January 31, 2009: Penn challenges Georges St-Pierre for Welterweight title at UFC 94
B.J. Penn challenged Georges St-Pierre for the Welterweight title on January 31, 2009, at UFC 94, an event dubbed "UFC Super Bowl Weekend." Penn's pre-fight comments about trying to "kill" St-Pierre in the ring caused controversy.
August 8, 2009: Penn defends Lightweight title against Kenny Florian at UFC 101
B.J. Penn successfully defended his Lightweight title against Kenny Florian at UFC 101 on August 8, 2009. Penn, in noticeably better shape, dominated the fight, negating Florian's takedown attempts.
December 12, 2009: Penn defends Lightweight title against Diego Sanchez at UFC 107
B.J. Penn successfully defended his Lightweight title against Diego Sanchez at UFC 107 on December 12, 2009. Penn dominated the fight, showcasing his superior striking and takedown defense. He won the fight by TKO in the fifth round, marking the second fight in UFC history to end in the fifth round.
April 10, 2010: Penn loses Lightweight title to Frankie Edgar at UFC 112
On April 10, 2010, at UFC 112, B.J. Penn lost his Lightweight title to Frankie Edgar in a controversial unanimous decision. This loss broke Penn's eight-year undefeated streak in the lightweight division. Many observers felt Penn had done enough to win, leading to an immediate rematch.
October 29, 2011: Penn loses to Nick Diaz at UFC 137
B.J. Penn was initially scheduled to fight Carlos Condit at UFC 137, but after a series of changes, he ended up facing Nick Diaz. Penn lost the fight via unanimous decision, despite winning the first round.
2011: Start of B.J. Penn's Winless Streak
B.J. Penn's career took a downturn beginning in 2011 when he entered an eight-fight winless streak, marking a difficult period for the fighter.
April 2012: Dana White comments on B.J. Penn's career
In April 2012, UFC president Dana White revealed that B.J. Penn turned down a fight with Strikeforce Lightweight Champion Gilbert Melendez. White also stated that Penn wants to continue at 170 pounds whenever he is ready. Additionally, White expressed his belief that Penn deserves to be in the UFC Hall of Fame due to his pioneering role in the lightweight division.
September 22, 2012: Fight with Rory MacDonald initially scheduled
Initially, B.J. Penn was expected to face Rory MacDonald on September 22, 2012, at UFC 152. However, MacDonald pulled out of the bout after sustaining a cut to the forehead while training.
December 8, 2012: Fight against Rory MacDonald
On December 8, 2012, B.J. Penn faced Rory MacDonald at UFC on Fox 5. Penn lost the fight via unanimous decision. Post-fight, Dana White suggested that Penn should retire, though Penn hinted at a possible return to the lightweight division.
September 2013: Announcement of return and coaching role
In September 2013, it was announced on UFC Tonight that B.J. Penn would return from his hiatus and move to the Featherweight division to coach against Frankie Edgar for the 19th season of The Ultimate Fighter.
July 6, 2014: Fight against Frankie Edgar
On July 6, 2014, B.J. Penn faced Frankie Edgar for the third time at The Ultimate Fighter 19 Finale. The fight marked Penn's second appearance as a head coach on The Ultimate Fighter.
January 2015: Arrested for assault
In January 2015, B.J. Penn was arrested in Kihei, Hawaii, and charged with assault following a brawl outside of a bar. This incident added to his history of alcohol-induced violence.
May 2015: UFC Hall of Fame Induction
In May 2015, during the UFC 187 broadcast, it was announced that B.J. Penn would be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in the Modern Category.
2015: B.J. Penn Inducted into UFC Hall of Fame
In 2015, B.J. Penn was recognized for his contributions to the sport of mixed martial arts with his induction into the Modern-era wing of the UFC Hall of Fame.
January 2016: Announcement of return to competition
In January 2016, after an 18-month hiatus, 37-year-old B.J. Penn announced his intentions to return to active competition with plans to continue in the UFC's featherweight division.
April 2016: Expected return at UFC 197
B.J. Penn was briefly expected to return in April 2016 at UFC 197. However, his return was delayed after an investigation into criminal allegations made against him was launched.
June 4, 2016: Fight against Dennis Siver scheduled
B.J. Penn was expected to face Dennis Siver on June 4, 2016, at UFC 199. However, Siver was forced out of the bout due to an injury and was replaced by Cole Miller. Subsequently, Penn himself was removed from the card on May 23 for using a medically administered IV during a non-fight period.
October 15, 2016: Fight against Ricardo Lamas
B.J. Penn was expected to face Ricardo Lamas on October 15, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 97. However, Penn pulled out of the fight citing an injury, leading to the cancellation of the event.
January 15, 2017: Fight against Yair RodrÃguez
On January 15, 2017, B.J. Penn faced Yair RodrÃguez in the main event at UFC Fight Night 103. Penn lost the fight via TKO in the second round.
June 25, 2017: Fight against Dennis Siver
A rescheduled bout with Dennis Siver took place on June 25, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 112. B.J. Penn lost the fight by majority decision.
December 29, 2018: Fight against Ryan Hall
On December 29, 2018, B.J. Penn faced Ryan Hall at UFC 232. Penn lost the fight via heel hook submission in the first round.
February 2019: Restraining order granted
In February 2019, a restraining order was granted against B.J. Penn, filed by his estranged girlfriend Shealen Uaiwa. The order, which included their children, alleged years of physical and sexual abuse and was in place until October 2021.
May 11, 2019: Fight against Clay Guida
On May 11, 2019, B.J. Penn faced Clay Guida at UFC 237. He lost the fight by unanimous decision.
June 2019: Fight outside a strip club
In June 2019, an intoxicated B.J. Penn was involved in a fight with a bouncer outside a strip club in Honolulu.
July 26, 2019: Expected fight with Nik Lentz
On July 26, 2019, it was reported that B.J. Penn was expected to face Nik Lentz in a grudge match at a UFC event to be determined. However, Penn was released from the promotion in early September after video evidence surfaced showing him fighting patrons in a bar brawl in Pahoa, Hawaii.
August 27, 2019: Bar Brawl in Hawaii
On August 27, 2019, B.J. Penn was involved in a bar fight in Hawaii, which led to his release from the UFC in early September.
2019: End of B.J. Penn's Winless Streak
B.J. Penn's eight-fight winless streak, which began in 2011, finally came to an end in 2019, marking a significant point in his later career.
February 7, 2020: Car Accident and DUI Investigation
On February 7, 2020, B.J. Penn was involved in a single-car accident in Hilo, Hawaii, where his vehicle flipped. He was investigated for DUI, but no charges were filed.
December 8, 2020: Paternity Lawsuit
On December 8, 2020, B.J. Penn was subject to a paternity lawsuit filed by Camila Amado, the mother of his child.
January 23, 2021: DUI Arrest and Public Intoxication
On January 23, 2021, B.J. Penn was arrested for DUI in Honokaa, Hawaii, and exhibited belligerent behavior towards police, which was captured on video.
October 2021: Restraining order expiration
The restraining order filed against B.J. Penn by Shealen Uaiwa in February 2019 expired in October 2021. The order had been in place due to allegations of physical and sexual abuse.
2022: B.J. Penn's Gubernatorial Run
In 2022, B.J. Penn entered the political arena, vying for the position of governor of Hawaii. However, his campaign was cut short as he was eliminated during the Republican Party primary.