"Critiquing the Cage" Who Are They: B.J. Penn

B.J. Penn is a former Lightweight Champion in the UFC and is considered one of the best light and welterweights in the sport's history, having been a pioneer of mixed martial arts, helping to bring legitimacy to the sport. Born in 1978, Penn became an MMA and Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. Nicknamed the "Prodigy," Penn became a rising star in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, earning his black belt in under three years, and became the first American Gold Medalist of the World Jiu Jitsu Championship. He debuted and competed in the UFC, as well as a brief stretch in K-1.
In the UFC, Penn competed in the lightweight, welterweight, middleweight and light heavyweight divisions.  He was a former UFC Lightweight and Welterweight Champion, making UFC history, by winning titles in multiple weight classes. Penn ultimately unified the UFC Lightweight Championship against Sean Sherk, becoming the divisions first Undisputed Champion. Penn went undefeated for eight years, simultaneously holding the number one rank in lightweight and welterweight.
Renowned boxing coach Freddie Roach has described Penn as the best boxer in all of mixed martial arts. Penn's record at retirement stands at (16-9-2), holding notable victories over Matt Hughes, Kenny Florian, Matt Sera and Rodrigo Gracie.