Jens Pulver inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame
Inaugural UFC Lightweight Champion Jens Pulver will be honored this year as part of the UFC Hall of Fame class of 2023. Pulver became champion in 2001 at UFC 30, defeating Caol Uno via Unanimous Decision. Pulver defended his UFC title successfully against Dennis Hallman, who was on an 8-fight winning streak and future UFC Hall of Famer B.J. Penn. Jens was a college wrestler at Boise State University. Although Pulver was a decorated wrestler, he was also featured on ESPN’s Tuesday night fights as a boxer. Pulver had a devastating left hand and was technically sound wherever the fight went. One of the first genuinely well-rounded fighters at 155 pounds, Pulver’s blend of wrestling and striking was ahead of his time.
Pulver left the UFC as their Lightweight champion after a contract dispute in 2002. After leaving the UFC, Pulver bounced around to various promotions across the regional scene before signing with the largest martial arts promotion in the world at the time, the Pride Fighting Championships in Japan. In Pride, Pulver’s first fight would be against Japanese superstar Takanori Gomi for the Pride Lightweight title in 2004. Pulver came up short against Gomi at Pride Shockwave 2004 but competed in front of a recorded 48,398 people at a sold-out Saitama Super Arena. Nearly twenty years later, that event still ranks in the Top 15 highest-attended mixed martial arts events in history. Pulver is a legend of the sport, which has seen and done it all. During his time on top, Pulver fought the best competition in the world, including Cub Swanson, B.J. Penn, and Urijah Faber.
Reaction to announcement
The announcement surprised Pulver, who was working live on the UFC Twitch stream breaking down the fights Saturday night. The UFC broadcast played an incredible video package of Pulver’s highlights announcing he would be the newest member of the Hall of Fame. The UFC broadcast captured Pulver’s live reaction in a touching moment. An emotional Pulver embraced his son as the news broke on Tv. You could tell how much this meant to Pulver and his family. This was a long overdue and well-deserved honor. Congratulations to Jens “Lil’ Evil” Pulver on his induction into the UFC Hall of Fame. Pulver will join former Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo as part of the 2023 class. The Hall of Fame ceremony normally takes place during international fight week in July.
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