Controversial UFC Star BJ Penn Shifts Blame on Attorney and Judge for Missing Mental Health Exam

Former UFC lightweight champion BJ Penn recently had a court hearing regarding his situation, only to speak about the inefficiency of his attorney.

Controversial UFC Star BJ Penn Shifts Blame on Attorney and Judge for Missing Mental Health Exam

BJ Penn blames his attorney in the recent court hearing (via X)

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Over the last year, BJ Penn repeatedly made headlines for arrests, controversies, and personal struggles, overshadowing his legendary UFC career. Those incidents raised serious concerns among fans, former teammates, and the wider MMA community. Recently, he attended a court hearing where new developments surprised supporters, leaving many quietly concerned about his situation.

The former UFC champion appeared in Hilo Circuit Court on January 9, 2026, following a missed court-ordered mental health evaluation requirement. The hearing related to multiple 2025 arrests involving alleged abuse accusations concerning his mother, Lorraine Shin. In total, Penn was arrested six times during 2025, including a separate misdemeanor charge for a third-degree assault case later filed.

In his latest hearing, Penn blamed his attorney for not informing him about the court-ordered mental health evaluation requirement earlier. He claimed his last contact with the court-appointed public defender occurred back in October 2025, without further updates received afterwards. 

Penn said a third party reviewing an online court docket finally informed him about the evaluation he must undergo soon. In court filings, Penn asked the judge to dismiss his current attorney so he could retain private counsel instead personally.

Your honor, I hear what you’re saying. I’ve been trying to get in touch with. I tried to contact your chambers because I mentioned in the last time, I was here about recusing you for the case and about getting a different counsel. But I can’t get through. I can’t get through to you guys.

BJ Penn said at the court hearing 

The judge extended Penn’s deadline for completing the mental health evaluation, giving the examining doctor until February 23 to submit a written report. BJ Penn is scheduled to return before the court on March 2, when the judge will review the findings and proceed accordingly.

Following his initial arrest, Lorraine Shin obtained a restraining order, stating she feared her son’s deteriorating mental health condition. In filings, Shin said Penn repeatedly claimed his family had been murdered and replaced by impostors, deeply alarming her and her relatives. Viral videos of Penn making ridiculous claims have also gone viral, alarming the MMA community. 

UFC veteran talks about fighting prime BJ Penn

BJ Penn is widely regarded as one of the most dominant fighters in UFC history for skill versatility and skill level. Some fans consider him the greatest lightweight ever, often ranking him ahead of Khabib Nurmagomedov in debates. Penn captured titles in multiple divisions, showcasing rare adaptability, elite grappling, and precise striking.

BJ Penn vs. Georges St-Pierre
BJ Penn vs. Georges St-Pierre (via X)

His opponent list included Georges St-Pierre, Matt Hughes, Frankie Edgar, Lyoto Machida, and many respected champions globally recognized. In a recent interview, GSP talked about fighting Penn for the first time at UFC 58 and was surprised by his speed. 

I remember the first time I fought him. I had never fought a guy as fast as him. I threw a jab, I got hit, and he was behind me. I was like, what the hell is this? Can this guy teleport himself? I was under the impression I was fighting a guy like he was in the Matrix.

Georges St-Pierre via The Bread Talk

Georges St-Pierre and BJ Penn fought twice, with the Canadian superstar winning both encounters and asserting clear dominance during their rivalry. Penn later retired after suffering a seven-fight losing streak, a difficult period that sadly defined his final competitive years.

That record was later surpassed by Tony Ferguson, who lost eight consecutive fights before officially retiring from the UFC. Despite those struggles, Penn’s legacy remains protected by historic performances, championship victories, and an unforgettable competitive spirit.

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