BJ Penn recently opened up about a terrifying incident that almost took his life.
The former UFC lightweight champion found himself in a life-threatening situation while enjoying a swim in a wave pool.
Penn recalled, “Last year, I got sucked into a wave pool engine room and thought I was going to die. I kept reminding myself not to give up for my kids’ sake.” He had been surfing in the wave pool for about an hour when the incident occurred. As he sat close to the wall where the waves originated, a wave pushed him and his surfboard under a massive cement wall, resembling a pipe sucking him in. Penn described feeling trapped in a dark cement room that filled up with water to generate waves for the pool, likening the experience to scenes from intense movies like ‘SAW’ or ‘Final Destination’. The rough environment inside caused injuries, including sinus infections and facial fractures from collisions with the walls. His facial fractures became infected due to the dirty water, leading to a three-week antibiotic treatment. Despite the perilous situation, Penn remained composed, confident that a legendary surfer friend outside would come to his aid, emphasizing the importance of staying calm in such circumstances.
Penn expressed gratitude for the support that helped him survive, withholding the names of the individuals and the water park involved. He emphasized his aversion to legal action, stating, “I’m not the type to engage in recreational activities and then sue for injuries; I appreciate all the help in my recovery.” Reflecting on the event, he quipped, “I may have made history as the first person sucked into a wave pool engine room while it was active, but regardless of life’s challenges, my advice is to stay composed. Having faced tough challenges throughout my life, I managed to stay strong; it was just another day at the office.”
Accompanying the narrative were images showcasing the physical aftermath of the incident:
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The 42-year-old Hawaiian fighter concluded his MMA career with a record of 16 wins, 14 losses, and 2 draws, exiting the UFC after facing seven consecutive defeats.
