UFC great B.J. Penn embarrassingly arrested again in Hawaii after alleged assault, adding to long list of 2025 legal troubles

Former UFC legend B.J. Penn is once again in legal trouble after being arrested in his hometown of Hilo, Hawaii. Police say the 46-year-old was taken into custody early Tuesday morning, November 4, 2025, after allegedly attacking a 45-year-old man during an argument.

The incident reportedly happened around 1 a.m. at a home on Kanoa Street. According to Hawaii Police Department reports, the man claimed Penn hit and kicked him several times before he managed to run out of the house and call for help. The victim was later treated for his injuries at Hilo Benioff Medical Center.Police located Penn around 11:50 a.m. that same day on Lehua Street and arrested him without any resistance.

He was charged with third-degree assault and released after posting a $1,000 bail. Officials confirmed Penn is scheduled to appear in Hilo District Court in early December. This latest incident marks his sixth arrest of 2025, adding to a growing list of troubling encounters with law enforcement this year.

B.J. Penn’s troubled 2025 continues with sixth arrest in Hawaii amid ongoing assault and abuse cases

B.J. Penn’s recent arrest is just one in a series of serious legal issues that have shadowed the former UFC star throughout 2025.

Earlier this year, in May, Penn was arrested on family abuse charges after allegedly shoving his mother, Lorraine Shin, into a parked car and stealing her mail. According to CBS Sports and Hawaii News Now, his mother later filed a restraining order against him an order Penn has been accused of violating several times since.

Each violation led to new arrests, making this his sixth so far this year. Once praised as one of the best UFC fighters ever, Penn's reputation has been much harmed by his many legal troubles.By being the first non-Brazilian to win the black-belt category at the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship, the former lightweight and welterweight champion made history. Though in recent years his personal life has gone downhill, his octagon success landed him a spot in the UFC Hall of Fame in 2015.Also Read: Coco Gauff Turns Heads In Viral WTA Finals Shoot As Mom Candi And Boyfriend Jalen Sera Shower LoveFans who followed Penn’s career now watch his decline with disappointment. “He used to be the pride of Hawaii,” one longtime supporter told USA Today Sports.

“It’s heartbreaking to see what’s become of him.”Authorities claim that investigations into the attack of late are continuing. Penn, however, is still free on bond awaiting his following court date. For someone once known for his discipline and strength, the fighter's life outside the ring now seems far from the honor that once made him a hero.