Photography by Baron Sekiya/Hawaii247.com


UFC Lightweight Champion BJ Penn arrives at Hilo International Airport Sunday evening.

Sunday evening BJ Penn is greeted at Hilo International Airport by friends and family.

In Philadelphia on Saturday, Penn, titleholder of the 155-pound division, played with No. 1 contender Kenny Florian for almost 19 minutes before applying a rear-naked choke that forced the challenger to tap out.

Penn hasn’t suffered a defeat at 155 pounds since January 2002 and has wins over four of the six other men who have fought for UFC’s lightweight belt over the years.

Of Penn’s 11 victories as a lightweight, 10 ended in a submission or knockout.

Sunday evening BJ Penn is greeted at Hilo International Airport by friends and family.

Sunday evening BJ Penn is greeted at Hilo International Airport by friends and family.