This day, 18 years ago, B.J. Penn moved up to the heavyweight division to fight Lyoto Machida

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This day, 18 years ago, B.J. Penn moved up to the heavyweight division to fight Lyoto Machida

Some of the most memorable battles in the annals of combat sports have occurred in the realm of mixed martial arts (MMA). The fight between B.J. Penn and Lyoto Machida was one of the most anticipated in mixed martial arts history. Penn and Machida are both legendary figures in MMA, thus this fight was set to be a showdown of unparalleled skill and strategy. 

BJ Penn vs Khabib Nurmagomedov is a fantasy UFC fight
BJ Penn looks at his opponent Nick Diaz during the start of the welterweight bout at UFC 137 at the Mandalay Bay Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Diaz would win by unanimous decision. (Credit Imago)

Many believe B.J. Penn, a two-division UFC champion, to be the best mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter of all time. Penn has knocked out some of the biggest names in MMA, including Matt Hughes, Sean Sherk, and Diego Sanchez, and is widely regarded as a grappling and striking phenom. Penn was well-known for his unconventional fighting style and stunning victories.

On the other side, former UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida is renowned for his stealth and pinpoint striking. His training in karate made him one of the most elusive targets in combat, and his unconventional approach frequently baffled and upset his rivals. Machida’s counter-striking was his defining move, and he used it well against legends like Randy Couture, Rashad Evans, and Tito Ortiz.

Penn and Machida fought each other in 2005 at a mixed martial arts (MMA) event called K-1 Hero’s 1 in Japan. The fight lived up to its billing as a showdown between two of the sport’s brightest stars. Penn was successful in taking Machida to the mat early in the fight and controlling him with his grappling prowess. Machida resisted Penn’s attempts to submit him, though, and eventually got to his feet again.

Machida’s striking range expanded as the bout went on. He knocked Penn around with a series of kicks and punches, and Penn eventually looked exhausted. Machida won the fight by unanimous decision. 

Penn and Machida’s fight was a historical showdown between two of the sport’s all-time greats. Penn showed off his grappling prowess and power, but Machida’s sneaky hitting and counterattacks eventually ended the fight. Both fighters’ legacies were solidified, and their respective strengths and flaws were on full display, thanks to this match.

In conclusion, the fight between Penn and Lyoto Machida will go down as a watershed event in mixed martial arts annals. In a showdown of unparalleled talent and strategy, two of the sport’s all-time greats faced off. Penn lost the battle against Machida’s pinpoint hitting, but the contest highlighted Penn’s tremendous grappling ability and knockout power. With this win, Machida cemented his legacy as one of the most formidable strikers in mixed martial arts. The 2005 bout between these two legends of the sport will go down in the annals of boxing history.

When B.J. Penn’s ex-girlfriend accused him of physical and sexual abuse

After B.J. Penn’s ex-girlfriend Shealen Uaiwa accused him of domestic violence in 2019, a restraining order was filed against him.

After Uaiwa accused Penn of assaulting her physically and sexually in October 2019, a judge issued a temporary restraining order against Penn. At a hearing later in February 2021, the deadline was pushed back to October.

Uaiwa said in a statement obtained by MMA Junkie that Penn threatened her mother and brother and tried to wrestle her down and seize her phone between the years of 2015 and 2018. The ex-UFC fighter slapped her in the head and made her engage in sexual activity while he was intoxicated.

She went on to say that Penn has been an addict since he was 14 years old and that she kept quiet about the events because of his prominence in her life and the power he has wielded over her because of his drug usage.

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