<P> Recognized for his role in the resurgence of the lightweight division , Penn is considered to have been the division 's most influential figure , turning the weight class around ( in bouts with Sean Sherk , Kenny Florian , Diego Sanchez , Jens Pulver , and Joe Stevenson ) to become one of the UFC 's most popular , at a time when they had considered disbanding the division altogether and many publications had questioned whether lighter - weights could be successful . His nickname , The Prodigy originates prior to him competing in mixed martial arts , from accomplishing his extraordinary feat in the sport of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu ( earning his black belt in just under three years and winning the black belt division in the World Jiu - Jitsu Championship only three weeks later ) . His biography on the UFC website expressed this accomplishment as `` an astonishing achievement in a sport where it takes the average athlete ten years or more to reach black belt status . </P>
<P> Recognized for his role in the resurgence of the lightweight division , Penn is considered to have been the division 's most influential figure , turning the weight class around ( in bouts with Sean Sherk , Kenny Florian , Diego Sanchez , Jens Pulver , and Joe Stevenson ) to become one of the UFC 's most popular , at a time when they had considered disbanding the division altogether and many publications had questioned whether lighter - weights could be successful . His nickname , The Prodigy originates prior to him competing in mixed martial arts , from accomplishing his extraordinary feat in the sport of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu ( earning his black belt in just under three years and winning the black belt division in the World Jiu - Jitsu Championship only three weeks later ) . His biography on the UFC website expressed this accomplishment as `` an astonishing achievement in a sport where it takes the average athlete ten years or more to reach black belt status . </P>
how fast did bj penn get his black belt
how fast did bj penn get his black belt
in just under three years
in just under three years