BJ Penn’s return postponed pending investigation into sexual assault allegations

A former employee of BJ Penn has made some very serious allegations against the former UFC champion.

MMA scribe Pedro Alex Carrasco accused iconic UFC fighter BJ Penn of sexual assaulting his girlfriend and having a cocaine problem in a series of tweets sent on Tuesday. Carrasco used to write for BJPenn.com, a site owned by the former UFC lightweight and welterweight champion, but left parted ways with the company in October 2015. Carrasco felt compelled to come forward with the allegations due to the increased media exposure giving to Penn surrounding his scheduled return to the UFC. https://twitter.com/LATLPEDRO/status/699694628799434753 https://twitter.com/LATLPEDRO/status/699694838359392256 https://twitter.com/LATLPEDRO/status/699695039744712704 https://twitter.com/LATLPEDRO/status/699695262458060801 MMA photographer and videographer Cynthia Vance also weighed in on the allegations. Vance revealed she stood by Carrasco, and had her own story to tell of Penn which, if true, does not paint him in a good light. https://twitter.com/cynthiavance/status/699735468728934400 https://twitter.com/cynthiavance/status/699735944530767872 Vance confessed that she could not confirm the alleged sexual assault as she was not present when the incident supposedly took place. However, she opened up about a time she was staying with Penn in Hawaii for a week on a shoot, one which she claimed she had to abandon. https://twitter.com/cynthiavance/status/699750375901908992 https://twitter.com/cynthiavance/status/699750589702377472 https://twitter.com/cynthiavance/status/699750775136780288 Carrasco confirmed that there is an investigation pending, and the UFC have since announced that Penn's return to fighting, which was scheduled for UFC 197, has been postponed. The UFC made sure to note that they are not prejudging the fighter and that he is presumed innocent until proven guilty. https://twitter.com/LATLPEDRO/status/699764784791691264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

UFC is aware of the recent allegations made against BJ Penn. The organization requires all athletes who compete in the UFC to act in an ethical and responsible manner, as detailed in the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy. UFC will not tolerate violations of the policy. Every athlete is deserving of proper review and this situation, as with any serious allegation, will be investigated by an independent party and thoroughly reviewed by the UFC.  The UFC organization will also cooperate with any law enforcement investigation. In light of the serious allegations, UFC has postponed plans to book Penn for an upcoming bout until more details are determined. UFC holds athletes who compete in the organization to the highest standard and will continue to take appropriate action, if and when warranted.  It is important to note that Penn is considered innocent until proven guilty and UFC is not prejudging this matter.”