Ex-UFC Champion BJ Penn Arrested for Sixth Time in 2025

Former UFC lightweight champion BJ Penn has once again found himself in legal trouble after being arrested and charged with third-degree assault in Hawaii — marking his sixth arrest of 2025.

According to the Hawaii Police Department, Penn, 46, was taken into custody without incident at 11:50 a.m. on Tuesday. The arrest followed a report of an assault at a Hilo residence around 1 a.m. the previous day.

The alleged 45-year-old victim told police that Penn punched and kicked him multiple times, leading to injuries that required medical treatment.

BJ Penn Released on Bail, Court Appearance Set for December 2

Police confirmed that Penn, whose full name is Jay Dee Penn, posted $1,000 bail and was released pending his first court appearance scheduled for December 2, 2025.

Under Hawaiian law, third-degree assault is a misdemeanor offense that can result in up to one year in jail upon conviction.

Ongoing Legal and Mental Health Troubles

This latest arrest adds to a growing list of legal issues for the former UFC champion. Earlier in 2025, a judge ordered Penn to undergo a mental health evaluation, with a follow-up court hearing expected in January 2026.