The UFC said Thursday that it has postponed B.J. Penn’s return to the organization after allegations surfaced that he sexually assaulted a woman.

Hawaii island police would not comment Wednesday when asked by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser if there was an investigation. However ESPN reported Thursday that the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office in Ohio said a 29-year-old female reported on Tuesday that she was assaulted by Hilo’s Penn on Hawaii island on Aug. 31. The ESPN report says the matter has been referred to Hawaii island police.

The allegations made by Pedro Alex Carrasco, a former employee of bjpenn.com, were made Tuesday on social media, accusing the 37-year-old Penn of sexually assaulting Carrasco’s girlfriend.

The UFC issued a statement Thursday morning saying, “UFC is aware of the recent allegations made against BJ Penn. The organization requires all athletes who compete in the UFC to act in an ethical and responsible manner, as detailed in the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy. Every athlete is deserving of proper review and this situation, as with any serious allegation, will be investigated by an independent party and thoroughly reviewed by the UFC. The UFC organization will also cooperate with any law enforcement investigation. In light of the serious allegations, UFC has postponed plans to book Penn for an upcoming bout until more details are determined.

“UFC holds athletes who compete in the organization to the highest standard and will continue to take appropriate action, if and when warranted. It is important to note that Penn is considered innocent until proven guilty and UFC is not prejudging this matter.”

Penn, who is one of two fighters to hold UFC titles in multiple weight classes, was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame last summer.

He has been training at Jackson-Wink MMA in Albuquerque, N.M., but no official fight announcement has been made by the UFC since his last fight 19 months ago.

Penn released a statement Thursday night saying, “The allegations that Pedro and his girlfriend are making against BJ Penn simply aren’t true. Penn trusted Pedro to run his website for almost a decade and considered him family. He was fired last year for unethical behavior and was provided a severence that ended on February 16, 2016. One day later allegations appeared in a one-sided Twitter rant which happen to be many months after the alleged date in question.

“There are many holes in Pedro’s story. In the almost 15 years that Penn has been a champion fighter there has not ever been any incident or allegation in regards to his conduct with women. He is family man and father of two young daughters with a known long term girlfriend. It is unfortunate that someone that BJ considered family is trying to extort him.”