BJ Penn (photo via UFC / YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Earlier this month, UFC President Dana White said that B.J. Penn would fight again in the Octagon as expected, and now it’s being reported the decorated fighter has been released.

White initially said that Penn would not return to the UFC as planned, following the release of video footage showing the Hawaiian star in a street fight.

Now, Yahoo Sports’ Kevin Iole is reporting that White has confirmed Penn’s been released from his UFC contract.

The 40 year-old Penn was also reportedly involved in an altercation with a strip club bouncer earlier this year. Penn’s former partner, and the mother of his children, has also accused Penn of domestic violence. The former lightweight and welterweight champion has denied the allegations.

Although Penn (16-14-2) has lost seven straight fights, the UFC had planned to have him fight fight Nik Lentz later this year.