UFC Hall of Famer BJ Penn has been deemed fit to stand trial for charges of abuse and violation of a restraining order, per a report from HawaiiNewsNow.
Penn passed a mental fitness exam, Hawaii courts said this week, deeming that he will stand trial for a case where he faces abuse charges against his mother, as well as a charge of violating her restraining order.
Penn’s mother, Lorraine Shin, received a protective order against him last year. She maintains that the ex-UFC star is suffering from Capgras delusional syndrome, a neurological condition where someone falls under the false belief that “a family member or close friend is an imposter.”
This syndrome, she alleges, has caused Penn to show up at her house, attempt to hide or take away her possessions, and, at times, has resulted in physicality, causing him to get arrested on numerous occasions in 2025.
“[He thinks] I killed his family and have taken over his mother’s identity, and he wants me to be removed from his home,” she said in a filing.
Penn has made numerous social media posts over the years alleging that family members have been replaced by bad actors.
Penn’s attorney said that he will file a motion to dismiss the charges.
The MMA legend is scheduled for a return to court on July 8.
