American · Hilo, USA · Born 13 December 1978American mixed martial artist and Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner, first non-Brazilian to win BJJ World Championship and former two-division UFC champion.
B.J. Penn was born in Hilo, Hawaii on 13 December 1978. A prodigy who became the first non-Brazilian to win the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship in 2000, Penn was a two-division UFC champion — winning the lightweight title in 2008 and the welterweight title in 2004. His combination of elite BJJ, boxing and durability made him one of the most complete fighters of his era. He defeated Matt Hughes, Frankie Edgar (twice), Kenny Florian and Rory MacDonald. His losses to Frankie Edgar (twice in rematches) and later bouts revealed decline, but his peak 2008-2012 was peerless. He attempted multiple comebacks and retired definitively in 2019.
He was the first American fighter to win UFC championships in two different weight divisions, capturing both the welterweight and lightweight titles.
He became the first non-Brazilian to win a World Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championship — considered impossible at the time.
Did You Know?How They Played
Penn was renowned for his world-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills and natural boxing ability, combining technical grappling with crisp striking. His flexibility, scrambling ability, and submission expertise made him dangerous on the ground, while his hand speed and timing created problems for opponents on the feet.
Lasting Impact
Penn helped establish the UFC's credibility by becoming the first American to achieve championship success in two different weight classes, paving the way for future multi-division champions.
Career Honours
- UFC Lightweight Champion
- UFC Welterweight Champion
- BJJ World Champion (first non-Brazilian)
American Athletes