Zuffa, LLC, owner of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, announced that due to BJ Penn’s reported signing with the K-1 organization, Penn would no longer compete in UFC events. Additionally, Zuffa stripped him of his title.

“I am looking forward to moving on and crowning a champion,” stated UFC president, Dana White.

An announcement will be made soon regarding who will compete for the welterweight championship.

This comes just a few months after BJ Penn submitted former UFC champion Matt Hughes in the first round to grab the title. He had not yet held his first title defense.