Former UFC Star BJ Penn Arrested Again in Assault Case

BREAKING: Former UFC star BJ Penn has been arrested again, marking his sixth arrest in 2025. The 46-year-old was taken into custody for third-degree assault on Tuesday at 11:50 a.m. by the Hawaii Police Department in Hilo, Hawaii.

Authorities responded to a report of an assault at a residence at 1:00 a.m. the previous day. The alleged victim, aged 45, claims Penn assaulted him, punching and kicking him repeatedly. The victim required medical attention for injuries sustained during the incident.

Penn was released shortly after his arrest, posting $1,000 bail. He is scheduled to face court for the assault charge on December 2. A conviction for third-degree assault in Hawaii could lead to a maximum sentence of one year in jail.

This incident adds to a troubling string of legal issues for the former UFC lightweight champion. Last month, a judge mandated that Penn undergo a mental health evaluation, following a series of bizarre claims from him regarding “imposters” taking over his family. He is expected to appear in court regarding that evaluation in January.

Earlier this year, Penn’s mother, Lorraine Shin, sought a protection order against him, alleging domestic abuse. In a shocking public plea in April, he urged the local police to investigate claimed murders in his family, insisting that “fake frauds” were attempting to steal from them.

Penn, who officially retired from mixed martial arts in 2019, ended his career amidst controversy, facing a seven-fight losing streak from 2011 to 2019, with three of those losses coming by knockout.

As this story develops, many are left wondering about the implications for Penn’s personal life and legal standing. The public is urged to stay tuned for updates on his upcoming court appearances and any further developments in this ongoing saga.