Imagining an MMA Hall of Fame: Borderline Candidates, Part 2

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Jens Pulver
“Little Evil” Bas Rutten Invitational (1999); Ultimate Fighting Championship (1999, 2000, 2000, 2000-02, 2006-07); World Extreme Fighting (2000, 2000, 2000); Gladiators (2000); Ultimate Wrestling (2002); Universal Fighting-Arts Organization (2002); TKO Major League MMA (2003); HOOKnSHOOT (2003); Extreme Challenge (2003); International Fighting Championship (2003); Shooto (2004); Pride Fighting Championships (2004-06); International Fight League (2006); World Extreme Cagefighting (2007-10); Powerhouse World Promotions (2010); Xtreme Fighting Organization (2011); Chicago Cagefighting Championship (2011); Titan Fighting Championship (2011); MMA Fight Pit (2011); Resurrection Fighting Alliance (2011); Cage Warrior Combat (2012); One Fighting Championship (2012-13); Superior Challenge (2013)
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CASE FOR: A pioneer for the lower weight classes, Pulver was one of the first sub-170-pound fighters in the Ultimate Fighting Championship and the first UFC lightweight champion. His win over B.J. Penn at UFC 35 remains one of the most famous fights in the history of that weight class. Plus, his bouts with Urijah Faber were instrumental in creating interest in the World Extreme Cagefighting featherweight division and turning Faber into a star. He remains a beloved figure in the sport. CASE AGAINST: Pulver’s fall as an elite fighter was fast. He was knocked out four times after leaving the UFC as lightweight champion and knocked out again upon his return. Things only got sadder from there, with Pulver losing six in a row at one point and falling to increasingly low-level opposition. VERDICT: Should he go in? Yes.

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