UFC legend BJ Penn has extended his wild theories beyond his family circle to include former UFC heavyweight Brendan Schaub. The Hawaiian now claims Schaub is actually deceased NFL player Aaron Hernandez wearing one of what Penn describes as “ultra real disguises.”
The accusation came via Penn’s Instagram account where he posted side-by-side pictures of Schaub and Hernandez with a caption suggesting that CTE diagnoses are merely a ploy by sports leagues to force expensive veteran athletes into retirement.
“CTE IS A WAY FOR SPORTS LEAGUES TO SAY EXPENSIVE ATHLETES IN THEIR 30’S HAVE BRAIN DAMAGE AND NEED TO RETIRE AND THEN PAY YOUNG NO NAME ATHLETES PEANUTS! IT AINT ABOUT THE MONEY ITS ABOUT THE MONEY!” Penn wrote, adding, “Is brain damage real? I’m sure it is. Is slurred speech real? I’m sure it is.”
This latest claim follows a series of troubling posts where the 46-year-old former welterweight and lightweight champion has insisted that his family members, including his mother and brothers, have been replaced by impostors wearing sophisticated disguises.
The situation prompted a response from Schaub himself, who initially thought Penn’s posts were meant as humor.
“@mayhemmiller not jumping in. I thought it was a joke. Is he for real? Whatever you need hit me up regarding BJ. One of my absolute favs,” Schaub commented on social media.
Former UFC fighter Jason “Mayhem” Miller appeared to express concern about Penn’s wellbeing, writing, “Our brother needs our help,” which prompted Schaub to clarify he had initially misunderstood the seriousness of the situation.
Penn responded cryptically to the exchanges, writing: “The CIA says ‘I have CTE.’ The CTE says ‘I have CIA!!'”
Fans and veterans alike have expressed growing concern for Penn’s mental health, with many urging him to seek professional help. One Instagram user suggested, “Pretty sure a DNA test could help you sleep at night,” while another supporter wrote, “I LOVE YOU BJ but damn you need some help.”
This isn’t the first time Penn has shared unconventional viewpoints. He recently denied the existence of CTE despite extensive scientific evidence of its prevalence in combat sports, referencing boxing legends who he claimed did not suffer from the condition despite “millions of hits to the head.”
The former champion also appears to be harboring resentment about paying child support for his three children, according to sources close to the situation.
