Former UFC Star BJ Penn Charged with Assault in Hawaii

BREAKING: Former UFC champion BJ Penn has been arrested and charged with third-degree assault in Hawaii, marking his sixth arrest of 2025. Authorities confirm that Penn was taken into custody without incident at 11:50 a.m. on Tuesday, following a report of an assault that occurred at a residence in Hilo, Hawaii at 1 a.m. the previous day.

The alleged victim, a 45-year-old man, reported that Penn punched and kicked him multiple times, resulting in injuries that required medical treatment. Following his arrest, Penn was released on $1,000 bail and is scheduled to make his initial court appearance for the assault charge on December 246-year-old former fighter, who was ordered by a judge to undergo a mental health evaluation last month. Penn’s struggles have been publicly linked to his belief that “imposters” are attempting to replace his family members, leading to significant personal turmoil. His mother, Lorraine Shin, was granted a protection order against him earlier this year after alleging domestic abuse.

The implications of this assault charge are serious. In Hawaii, a conviction for third-degree assault can lead to a maximum of one year in jail. As Penn prepares to face court again in January regarding his mental health evaluation, questions remain about his future and the path he will take moving forward.

Penn’s MMA career, which ended in 2019 after a seven-fight losing streak, has been overshadowed by these recent legal troubles. Once a celebrated UFC lightweight champion, his current circumstances highlight a dramatic fall from grace that has drawn public concern and media scrutiny.

As developments continue to unfold, the sports community and fans alike are left to await further news on Penn’s legal battles and personal challenges. Stay tuned for updates on this urgent situation as it develops.