COLUMBUS, Ohio – Saturday night, following a first round submission loss to Javier Vazquez at WEC 47, 35-year-old Jens “Lil’ Evil” Pulver spoke at the post-fight press conference as if his time inside the cage was over.
In his prime, Pulver beat the best of the best. In February 2001, he defeated Caol Uno to become the very first UFC 155 lb. champion, and defended that title successfully against Dennis Hallman and B.J. Penn.
However, all fighters, like all athletes, will arrive at a day when the realization sets in they can no longer compete at that elite level. For Pulver, that time has come.
In the following video you will hear Pulver talk about seeing the lighter weight fighters coming up and how good the new generation is. As the original lightweight champion, he feels much like a father watching his kids grow up.
You will hear the victorious fighters from WEC 47, including Vazquez, talk about the impact Pulver has had on them and the respect they hold for the former champ.
Scott Jorgensen:
“The guy is the greatest guy ever, man. He’s sincere, he’s from the heart. What he says, he means. I don’t have a bad word to say about him. He’s the best. I wouldn’t be where I’m at today without people like Jens.”
Dominick Cruz:
“I’ve got so much respect for Jens and anybody who I watched when I was younger. Without them leading the way I wouldn’t be here. Anything they tell me, I listen.”
Javier Vazquez:
“For many, many years, I was the biggest Jens Pulver fan. Coming up through the ranks, that was the pinnacle of where I wanted to be. For me it was an honor seriously to get a chance to fight him. I’m pretty speechless as far as him even giving me the chance.”
Jens Pulver:
“I’m just a proud old man. I’m a proud poppa, I guess, I’m the godfather of this stuff, and it’s a good place and a good way to go.”
If WEC 47 was indeed Jens Pulver’s last fight, ProMMAnow.com would like to express our thanks and gratitude for everything you have done for the sport Jens! We salute you my friend!