On Tuesday, December 11, former UFC welterweight champion BJ “The Prodigy” Penn was sentenced to one year probation and ordered to pay $2000 in restitution for hitting a police officer in Waikiki, Honolulu in 2005.

Additionally, the 28-year mixed martial artist must abstain from alcohol, undergo a substance abuse treatment, clock in 50 hours of community service and agree to random drug and alcohol.  All these conditions are part of a no-contest plea agreement Penn made with prosecutors, and if he is able to follow them for one year, the offense will be not be reflected in his record.

Circuit Court Judge Karl K. Sakamoto also issued a no-contact order between Penn and Richardson Oscar Pouoa, the police officer Penn struck in the face two years ago.  He has, however, allowed Penn to go to Newcastle, England for the interim UFC lightweight world championship, where he will face California's Joe Stevenson in the Octagon ring.

BJ Penn has expressed his apologies for what happened, and said that he is eager to put it all behind him.

"I want to thank the fans for the support and for sticking by me through thick and thin," Penn said while speaking outside the court on Tuesday.  "It's time to move on with my life and focus on my career. I'm glad it's done."

BJ Penn's bout with Stevenson is scheduled for Saturday, January 19.  The match-up was announced after Sean Sherk, whose suspension for a positive banned substance test was reduced but upheld, was stripped of the lightweight title.

“I have nothing but respect for Sean Sherk and I believe he's been honest throughout this whole process,” UFC President Dana White said, adding that whoever emerges as the victor of the fight will face Sherk for the title.

Penn and Stevenson's fight will serve as the main event of UFC 80: RAPID FIRE card.


-Lisa Claustro, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: The Honolulu Advertiser, UFC.com
(Image Courtesy of  Sports Illustrated)