Domestic abuse is one of the most potent forms of violence that affects women worldwide. Often the scar left behind can be both emotional and physical. Lately, former UFC champion BJ Penn has been through a disheartening trial. Why? It’s because he had to allegedly step in to protect his daughter from a situation of domestic violence.
He sprang into action presumably as soon as he heard about the commotion. The former two-division world champ recently shared an image on the Instagram handle of someone unconscious on the sidewalk. The caption makes it look like BJ Penn KOed him to safeguard his daughter.
This is Pete, Pete found out he was allergic to hitting my daughter. Don’t be like Pete.
BJ Penn via IG image captions (@bjpenn)
He further gets into the details, disclosing the line of motive. The Team BJ Penn MMA founder urges for a better upbringing so that such incidents do not progress. Cases of domestic abuse are rampant on both sides of the coin. Recently, UFC fighter Casey Kenney was arrested after his girlfriend’s mother pleaded police intervention. Ex-Bellator fighter Sean Loeffler also faced domestic violence charges a few months back.
However, when it comes from the other side, ‘The Prodigy’ served as a good reminder of why not to mess with MMA fighters and their circles.
Much more than the history of boxing, the sport of MMA is more tolerant of defeat. However, BJ Penn has had a crucial 7-fight losing streak that would get him cut anywhere else. It only falls behind Tony Ferguson recently. With his stand against domestic abuse, fans have celebrated this as a common “W”. His losing streak finally comes to a viral end.
Fight fans react to BJ Penn allegedly knocking out an abuser
Violence has been a commonality in every corner of sports or public paradigm. Often testosteronic, aggressive masculinity can be apparent in squabbles and violence allegations among athletes. Some cases even hit close to home, where the victim or perpetrator is from family or coaching circles.
BJ Penn’s post a viral meme circulating for years? Fans react (Source: X/www.the42.ie)The case of Penn seemed to be such. Of course, the alleged act of heroism does shed light on his dark spots. There were allegations of physical abuse from his estranged partner and the mother of his children. The UFC Hall of Famer was hit with an injunction by the state of Hawaii on behalf of Shealen Uaiwa. Uaiwa alleged verbal/physical threats and abuse.
An order of protection was in place until October 8, 2021. BJ Penn did not face an arrest and addressed the contentious child custody in a statement through the website BJPenn.com. One of his daughters, Kulia Uaiwa-Penn, also went missing temporarily. While those claims have now simmered down, the fighter takes a proactive stance in safeguarding his daughters. Here’s what fans think of it:
You’ve got to be a special kind of stupid to harm a UFC fighter’s kids.
— Warren Wilhelm (@War_Wilhelm) September 12, 2024
Lets Goo BJ PENNN!!! the GOAT!! 🐐
— Faisal Dilnawaz (@Faisalamini60) September 12, 2024
BJ Penn didn’t beat anyone up. That’s just an old photo that’s been going around for years.
— FullContactMTWF (@FullContactMTWF) September 12, 2024
As is natural, most fans have seemingly lauded ‘Prodigy’. However, more keen-eyed netizens know that BJ Penn only penned a quippy message. He did not in fact, knock anyone out! This particular image has been a meme in circulation for years. A more thorough dive into his IG handle shows traits of thematic meme posts and reposting imagery.
Given the new tidbit, some fans have gibed down his claims. Consequently, some have even joked that cruiserweight influencer-boxer Jake Paul just found his next washed-up MMA guy to batter. All in all, the sentiment, whether for legitimate reasons or not, is quite viral.
