‘We Need Somebody To Fight For Us’: BJ Penn Announces Run For Hawaiian Governor
A UFC Hall of Famer is taking his career in another direction.
BJ Penn, who has been dubbed an MMA legend, announced over social media that he is running for the Governor of Hawaii. He said as part of his campaign – and for people to support him – he looks to getting rid of vaccine mandates, getting “freedom” back for the people of Hawaii.
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“We need somebody to fight for us,” a message in the video read.
Penn has been vocal on social media regarding Hawaii’s government-mandated Covid-19 safety protocols, which includes the usage of vaccine passports.
Citizens of Hawaii are currently required to wear masks in indoor public places while visitors must show proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test within 72 hours of their flight to the island. If not, they must quarantine for 10 days.
Penn, 42, is a native of Hawaii.
He has not competed in MMA since 2019 when he was handed a decision loss to Clay Guida at UFC 237 in Brazil. He ended his career on a seven-fight losing skid.
An expert in mixed martial arts and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, the fighter was also the first American gold medalist of the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship.