*pictured Penn and mother of his 3 children Shea Uaiwa in 2022
Former UFC champion BJ Penn’s concerning social media behavior has taken another troubling turn, with the MMA legend now denying the existence of his own children in his latest series of posts.
“I never had any kids,” Penn wrote in one of the posts. “They are all actors hired to pretend to be my family. I am the only surviving heir of the Penn fortune.”
This latest development comes just days after Penn made alarming claims about his mother and brothers being “murdered and replaced,” statements that prompted serious concern throughout the MMA community.
In a series of posts shared across his verified social media accounts, Penn continued his claims about family impostors while adding new delusional theories. One post, accompanied by what appeared to be an old family photo, stated: “SORRY I MADE A MISTAKE… TIA GUITERRAS-PENN IS AN HEIR WITH ME” and “BJ PENN ONLY SURVIVING HEIR OF PENN 50M+ FAMILY FORTUNE.”
Mother of Penn’s children was granted a restraining order against him 6 years ago when she made a number of startling claims.
Another post referenced “standing up for yourself” and contained threatening language, stating: “IF STANDING UP FOR YOURSELF BURNS BRIDGES I HAVE MATCHES. WE RIDE AT DAWN.”
Penn also shared content discussing the feelings of fear about speaking up, writing: “Worst feeling as a man? Having so much to say, but staying silent because you’re SO SCARED YOU ARE GONNA GET THE S*IT SLAPPED OUT OF YOU IN FRONT OF EVERYONE IF YOU SPEAK UP!!”
The comments section of Penn’s posts show a mixture of concerned fans urging him to seek help and others who appear to be encouraging his current mindset.
“BJ brother, please get some help. You are an absolute legend and the whole MMA community is here and willing to help you!”
“To everyone feeding into this I hope your pillows always hot,” a comment that received 162 likes, suggesting widespread concern about how some fans are responding to Penn’s apparent mental health crisis.
Some commenters have attempted to reason with Penn, with one asking, “Why doesn’t anyone ask the Actual family? Mom kids siblings etc?”
These latest posts come shortly after Penn shared content questioning the existence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain condition associated with repeated head trauma that has been found in many former combat sports athletes.
Penn’s concerning behavior has increasingly overshadowed his legendary status in the sport. Once considered among the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, Penn made history as one of the few stars to win UFC championships in multiple weight classes.
His nickname “The Prodigy” reflected his exceptional natural talent, having earned his Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt in just three years—an achievement that typically takes a decade or more. Penn’s bouts against Matt Hughes, Georges St-Pierre, and other champions defined an era of the sport.
Despite attempts by former training partners and friends to reach out, sources close to Penn indicate he has become increasingly isolated and resistant to offers of help.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, contact the National Mental Health Helpline at 988.
