Legendary MMA fighter Jens Pulver is set to be inducted into the Pioneer Wing of the UFC Hall of Fame at the 11th annual UFC International Fight Week in Las Vegas this July.
The news was announced during the recent UFC 284 broadcast, and fans across America are thrilled to see one of the sport’s greatest pioneers receive this much-deserved honor.
We’re not crying… you are 🥲
This is AWESOME. The moment Jens Pulver found out he’s finally a UFC Hall of Famer🏅
📹: UFC pic.twitter.com/h0WnOZqwQf
— UFC on BT Sport (@btsportufc) February 12, 2023
Pulver, now 48 years old, was the first-ever lightweight champion of the UFC when the weight category below 170 pounds was not promoted by the organization.
He secured some historic victories against the likes of B.J. Penn, Caol Uno, and Joe Stevenson. In fact, the first lightweight title for the organization was established when Pulver defeated Uno at UFC 30.
Following his success in the UFC, Pulver continued to fight some of the best fighters in the world, including Nate Diaz, Gray Maynard, and Joe Lauzon. He even made a comeback to coach The Ultimate Fighter 5 opposite Penn.
After moving down to featherweight, Pulver went on to add his star power to the World Extreme Cagefighting promotion, and his rivalry with Urijah Faber was one of the early highlights of the division.
With a 27-19-1 record, Pulver competed for some of the most significant promotions in the world, including the UFC, WEC, PRIDE, and ONE Championship. He retired in 2013 and now joins the ranks of MMA greats like Royce Gracie, Randy Couture, and Ken Shamrock in the Pioneer Wing of the UFC Hall of Fame.
A pioneer in the truest sense of the word.
The first ever lightweight king 🏆 @Jens_Pulver takes his rightful place in the #UFCHOF! pic.twitter.com/o79DdIbZKu
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) February 12, 2023
It’s an exciting time for MMA fans in America, as they prepare to witness one of their favorite fighters being inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.
Pulver’s career has been an inspiration to many, and this latest accolade is a testament to his incredible legacy in the sport.