“True Pioneer and Legend”: Nate Diaz Joins UFC World as Ex-UFC Champ’s Record Accomplishment From 2000 Goes Viral

UFC Hall of Famer BJ Penn is arguably one of the greatest MMA fighters to hail from a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu background. A student of Royce Gracie, Penn is a former UFC lightweight and welterweight champion. MMA veteran and ex-UFC star Nate Diaz took to social media to share a post reminiscing Penn’s BJJ record from 2000. Fans have shared their reactions on Instagram.

BJ Penn debuted in the UFC at UFC 31 in 2001. He immediately made an impact after registering a TKO win in his debut. ‘The Prodigy’ went on to become a two-time UFC champion in two different divisions. Moreover, He was inducted into the Hall of Fame under the ‘Modern-Era’ wing in 2015.

Nate Diaz shares a post recalling BJ Penn and his success in BJJ and MMA

The Stockton native is a popular figure in MMA for his carefree attitude and never hesitates to speak his mind. However, Nate Diaz does have a lot of respect for the MMA fighters who came before him. As such, he shared a post on his Instagram story highlighting the impressive career of BJ Penn. ‘The Prodigy’ had a storied BJJ career before entering the world of MMA. He dominated Jiu-Jitsu in less than four years after becoming a student of MMA icon, Royce Gracie.

BJ Penn holds the record for the fastest BJJ Black Belt promotion, which he accomplished in three years. Moreover, his record is tied with Caio Terra. Penn was the first non-Brazilian BJJ athlete to win the BJJ World Championship under the 70kg category.

Following his impressive BBJ accomplishments, Penn successfully transitioned into MMA and worked with the RVCA brand CEO, Pat Tenore, who created his iconic fighting shorts. After Penn established himself as one of MMA’s greatest athletes by becoming a two-division champion, he even appeared on the UFC’s reality show, ‘The Ultimate Fighter’. Additionally, UFC color commentator Joe Rogan has termed him as a UFC ‘Goat’.

Fans react to the social media post about ‘The Prodigy’

The social media post on BJ Penn didn’t take time to get noticed by some notable UFC names. Marlon Vera extended his respect for the UFC Hall of Famer and commented, “Bjjjjj know the rules.” While Jalin Turner commented with a couple of clapping emojis as a sign of respect for BJ Penn’s monumental achievements. 

Let’s take a look at the reactions from fans on Instagram.

• Yessah dis is da man right here!!! Love you bj!!
• [BJ Penn] is the man and [Pat Tenore] is one of the biggest visionary I know. that’s no way this duo could go wrong 
• GOAT shorts. Never missed a BJ fight. True pioneer and legend
• Unks inspired me as a kid getting into mma
• My Biggest inspiration to get into BJJ
• The prime [BJ Penn] never forget that time
• I bought those shorts right when I got my black belt

The fans had nothing but good things to say about ‘The Prodigy’. They claimed that BJ Penn, along with Pat Tenore of RVCA, are pioneers in the world of MMA. One fan mentioned that he never missed any fight involving the Hall of Famer. A couple of them also revealed that BJ Penn was their inspiration to get into BJJ and MMA. Moreover, there was one fan who stated that he bought Penn’s signature shorts after receiving his black belt.

READ MORE: “I’m Happy With the Opponent“: Conor McGregor Gets Brutally Honest on Why He Chose Michael Chandler as His Comeback Fight

BJ Penn wasn’t able to end his MMA career on a high. He lost seven fights in a row towards the closing stages of his career. However, his achievements and contribution to mixed martial arts will always be remembered as being second to none.

What are your thoughts about Penn’s career as a professional fighter? Drop your comments below.

WATCH THIS STORY: Real Fight Incorporations: The MMA promotion of Nick and Nate Diaz