BJ Penn

BJ Penn is a UFC Hall of Famer who became the second fighter in UFC history to win titles in two different weight classes.

Jay Dee "BJ" Penn was born in Hilo, Hawaii, and became the first non-Brazilian ever to win a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu in under three years, earning the honour at the famed Ralph Gracie Academy before turning to professional mixed martial arts. Penn became a two-division UFC champion, winning the welterweight title in 2004 and the lightweight championship on two separate occasions, becoming widely regarded as one of the most naturally talented fighters in the sport's history, renowned for his exceptional jiu-jitsu, boxing, and remarkable ability to cut minimal weight relative to his size. Penn headlined 11 UFC main events across his career and became the first person to establish an independent foundation dedicated to combating performance-enhancing drug use in mixed martial arts, reflecting his influence on the sport beyond his championship success. Penn was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in the Modern wing during International Fight Week celebrations in 2015, and the UFC named its inaugural gym, in Honolulu, in his honour, cementing his legacy as one of Hawaii's most celebrated combat sports exports.

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.

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.

• UFC Lightweight Champion 2004, 2008
• UFC Welterweight Champion 2006
• UFC Hall of Fame inductee