Updated at 11.40 on Friday, 19 February 

THE UFC HAS confirmed that it is investigating allegations relating to ex-lightweight and welterweight champion BJ Penn.

Pedro Alex Carrasco, a former writer for Penn’s website, took to Twitter on Tuesday and claimed that Penn had sexually assaulted his girlfriend.

According to Bleacher Report’s Jeremy Botter, Carrasco’s girlfriend — Amber Soukup — has filed charges against Penn in Delaware, Ohio.

Penn, who’s now 37, recently announced plans to return to the UFC after a two-year lay-off and a bout against Dennis Siver was rumoured to be in the pipeline.

However, that prospect now appears to be off the cards — temporarily at least — after the UFC released the following statement this afternoon:

“UFC is aware of the recent allegations made against BJ Penn. The organization requires all athletes who compete in the UFC to act in an ethical and responsible manner, as detailed in the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy. UFC will not tolerate violations of the policy. Every athlete is deserving of proper review and this situation, as with any serious allegation, will be investigated by an independent party and thoroughly reviewed by the UFC. The UFC organization will also cooperate with any law enforcement investigation. In light of the serious allegations, UFC has postponed plans to book Penn for an upcoming bout until more details are determined. UFC holds athletes who compete in the organization to the highest standard and will continue to take appropriate action, if and when warranted.  It is important to note that Penn is considered innocent until proven guilty and UFC is not prejudging this matter.”

Penn has now released his own statement in response to the situation, in which he insists that the allegations are completely unfounded:

“The allegations that Pedro and his girlfriend are making against BJ Penn simply aren’t true. Penn trusted Pedro to run his website for almost a decade and considered him family. He was fired last year for unethical behaviour and was provided a severence that ended on 16 February, 2016.

“One day later, allegations appeared in a one-sided Twitter rant which happens to be many months after the alleged date in question [August of 2015]. There are many holes in Pedro’s story.

“In the almost 15 years that Penn has been a champion fighter, there has not ever been any incident or allegation in regards to his conduct with women. He is a family man and father of two young daughters, with a known long-term girlfriend. It is unfortunate that someone that BJ considered family is trying to extort him.”

– First published at 16.08 on Thursday, 18 February

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