With a record of 16-10-2 and with 3 defeats in a row, UFC hall of famer, ‘the prodigy’ BJ Penn, was set to come back from retirement to make another run at the UFC feather weight belt currently held by Conor McGregor.
Penn is now 37 years old, and he retired after a disappointing loss to Frankie Edgar via TKO in July 2014.
In his last 7 fights he went 1-5-1. He has now relocated to Albuquerque, New Mexico at Greg Jackson’s gym and was looking to return as early as UFC 197 in April in a fight with either Nik Lentz or Dennis Siver.
This return has been delayed by the UFC because of recent allegations of sexual abuse.
Bloody Elbow broke the story that Pedro Alex Carrasco, a former writer at Penn’s immensely popular website BJPenn.com, has accused the former UFC champion of sexual abuse and drug use.
Brett Okamoto of ESPN has confirmed that the police is investigating the case:
Confirmed there is an investigation in Hilo, Hawaii regarding Penn and an alleged assault of a 29-year-old female https://t.co/xxTv1t1gJ3
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) February 18, 2016
The UFC has issued a statement:
“UFC is aware of the recent allegations made against BJ Penn. The organization requires all athletes who compete in the UFC to act in an ethical and responsible manner, as detailed in the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy. UFC will not tolerate violations of the policy. Every athlete is deserving of proper review and this situation, as with any serious allegation, will be investigated by an independent party and thoroughly reviewed by the UFC. The UFC organization will also cooperate with any law enforcement investigation. In light of the serious allegations, UFC has postponed plans to book Penn for an upcoming bout until more details are determined. “UFC holds athletes who compete in the organization to the highest standard and will continue to take appropriate action, if and when warranted. It is important to note that Penn is considered innocent until proven guilty and UFC is not prejudging this matter.”
Here is the tweet that Carrasco posted on February 16:
I mean… pic.twitter.com/MvYDmnKWCT — My name is Matt Roth (@MattRoth512) February 16, 2016
Carrasco is claiming that there is an investigation underway:
Those clamoring for evidence will have to wait, there is an investigation pending with the authorities.I just couldn’t hold my tongue.
— Pedro Alex Carrasco (@LATLPEDRO) February 17, 2016
MMA photographer and videographer Cynthia Vance confirms his version of events:
@dvewlsh I was on the Big Island when all of this went down. Shit is fucked. — Cynthia Vance (@cynthiavance) February 16, 2016
@cynthiavance were the police contacted at all? That’s not something anyone should get away with
— Mickey Brown Eyes (@mrohh) February 16, 2016
