BJ Penn

Jay Dee “B.J.” Penn III, born on December 13, 1978, is a celebrated former mixed martial artist and a 5th-degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ). Renowned as the first non-Brazilian to win the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship at the black belt level, Penn has achieved remarkable success in MMA, competing in multiple divisions from Featherweight to Heavyweight. As a two-division UFC Champion in both Lightweight and Welterweight, he made history by unifying the UFC Lightweight Championship and setting a record for title defenses. In 2015, Penn was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame’s Modern-era wing, solidifying his legacy.

Personal Information

Full Name: Jay Dee “B.J.” Penn III

Date of Birth: December 13, 1978

Nationality: American

Nickname: “The Prodigy”

Martial Arts Background: 5th-degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ)

UFC Titles Held: Former UFC Lightweight and Welterweight Champion

Historic Achievement: First non-Brazilian to win the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship at black belt level

UFC Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2015 (Modern-era wing)

Weight Divisions Competed: Featherweight, Lightweight, Welterweight, Middleweight, and Heavyweight/Openweight

Notable Fight Record: Fought to a draw in the UFC 41 Lightweight Tournament against Caol Uno

Player Stats