B.J. Penn

Who is B.J. Penn?

Jay Dee "B.J." Penn is an American professional mixed martial artist and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. Penn debuted and competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, as well as in K-1. Prior to fighting for the UFC, he became the first American Gold medalist of the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship. In mixed martial arts, Penn has competed in the Featherweight, Lightweight, Welterweight, Middleweight and Heavyweight divisions. As a former UFC Lightweight Champion and UFC Welterweight Champion, he is only the second fighter in UFC history to win titles in multiple weight classes. Penn was also a Finalist in the UFC 41 Lightweight Tournament, due to an eventual draw against Caol Uno in the tournament finale. Through his tenures as champion, Penn unified the UFC Lightweight Championship to become the division's first Undisputed Champion; as well as broke the UFC's all-time lightweight title defenses record.

During his reign, Penn holds the distinction of being undefeated as a Lightweight for over eight years. He is famously known for his role in the resurgence of the UFC lightweight division, in addition for taking part in many of the biggest fights in mixed martial arts, most of which involved moving up in multiple weight classes. In early 2004, following his back-to-back submission victories over Takanori Gomi and Matt Hughes, Penn was simultaneously ranked number one in the two different divisions; lightweight and welterweight.