It took five years, but Hilo's BJ Penn finally avenged the first loss of his Ultimate Fighting Championship career last night.

Penn beat Iowa's Jens Pulver in the main event of The Ultimate Fighter 5 Finale mixed martial arts card in Las Vegas, using a rear naked chokehold to subdue his bitter rival in the second round.

In winning the lightweight (155 pounds) division bout, Penn improved his record to 11-4-1 while Pulver fell to 21-8-1.

The fighters were opposing coaches for The Ultimate Fighter 5 reality series, and Penn had made it clear that "everybody knows I don't like him."

Pulver had beaten Penn by decision in 2002 in a UFC championship bout.

Last night, Penn made sure the outcome wouldn't fall into the judges' hands. He came out aggressively in the first round, lifting Pulver into the air and crushing him into the canvas. Pulver fended off an attempted armbar lock, then worked out of a tight triangle to escape again.

In the second round, Penn took a hard left to the head and responded with a single-leg takedown. Penn mounted Pulver and unloaded several heavy blows as Pulver turned on his back and absorbed an elbow. Penn rolled Pulver over, then locked on a rear naked chokehold, forcing Pulver to tap out.

www.sherdog.com and www.mmaweekly.com contributed information.