UFC Legend B.J. Penn Was Arrested Again, Here's Why

Now, per KITV Island News, Penn has been arrested for the fifth time since Memorial Day weekend, this time for violating a protective order filed by his 79-year-old mother, Lorraine Shin. 

The order specifically prevents Penn from coming within 100 yards of his mother's residence and place of employment, and requires him to maintain a distance of at least 100 feet from Shin at any neutral location. Additionally, Penn is forbidden from contacting his mother via telephone, written, or electronic means of communication.

The 46-year-old retired MMA fighter was taken into custody without incident on Monday, Sept. 15, 2025, after Hilo patrol officers determined he had entered his mother's Puueo Street property in direct violation of the protection order.

Penn had entered his mother’s property despite the active court order for protection. Police later located Penn in the area and arrested him without incident. He was formally charged on Tuesday, September 16, with violating the order for protection, with bail set at $2,000, which he subsequently posted to secure his release.

The protective order granted to Shin came after a series of disturbing allegations against her son. She claimed that after returning from a trip in early May, she discovered many of her personal belongings missing, including clothes, shoes, jewelry, and even her bed. After filing a police report, her purse containing her driver's license, credit cards, and safe locks was also stolen.

The situation escalated on May 25 when Shin claimed Penn stole her mail and then shoved her against a car when confronted, resulting in sharp pain in her back and her screaming for assistance from Penn's younger brother.

The former UFC champion, who won titles in both lightweight and welterweight divisions during his career, hasn't fought since May 2019, when he suffered his seventh consecutive loss against Clay Guida at UFC 237. He was subsequently released by the UFC and reprimanded by Dana White after a video surfaced showing Penn in a street fight outside a Hawaii bar.

Penn was once considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in MMA history, but in his post-retirement life, he has shown increasingly erratic behavior and has been involved in serious legal troubles that now appear connected to potential mental health issues.

The focus shifted from his accomplishments in his fighting career to concerns about his psychological well-being and the safety of his family members.