UFC legend Jon Jones visited BJ Penn in Hilo during the former two-division champion’s ongoing hiatus from the Octagon.
For the first time in years, former two-division UFC champion Jon Jones visited BJ Penn in his native Hawaii after years of Penn making surprise appearances at Jackson-Wink MMA in Albuquerque.
Jones and Penn are two of the greatest UFC fighters of all time after accomplishing similar feats during their careers. Both Jones and Penn won UFC titles in multiple weight classes, with Jones most recently defending the UFC heavyweight title over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309.
Jones and Penn are now both retired (for now) and have had a close relationship for years. Occasionally, Penn would show up in Albuquerque to train with Jones during their fighting careers.
In April 2025, Penn got a surprise visitor when Jones showed up to hang out with him in Hilo, Hawaii. The two fighters rolled at Penn’s mother’s house overlooking Hilo Bay and were accompanied by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu aficionados Pat Tenore and Pete the Greek.
WATCH: Jon Jones visits BJ Penn in Hilo as he prepares for potential Octagon return
Watch Jones and Penn roll below during their April 2025 reunion.
Jones has had an eventful time away from fighting since announcing his abrupt retirement last summer. He recently filmed a season of a Russian MMA reality television show alongside two-time UFC foe Daniel Cormier, and has trained blue-chip prospect Gable Steveson for a possible UFC heavyweight run.
Penn and Jones are both UFC Hall of Famers, as Penn received the prestigious honor before UFC 189. While Jones hasn’t officially entered the UFC HOF’s ‘Fighter wing’, he was inducted for his legendary showdown with Alexander Gustafsson.
While Penn and Jones are well removed from their athletic primes, it appears the two are still willing to roll and grow their prowess when the moment calls for it. Expect these two legends to collaborate in the future.
What are your favorite memories from BJ Penn and Jon Jones’ UFC careers? Let us know in the comments!