Jens Pulver to be inducted into UFC Hall of Fame
Warning: Video contains coarse language
Jens Pulver, the UFC's first lightweight champion, is finally getting immortalized.
Pulver will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame this summer at International Fight Week as part of the class of 2023.
The first lightweight champion in UFC history is headed to the Hall of Fame! 🏆
— UFC (@ufc) February 12, 2023
Congratulations @Jens_Pulver on becoming 2023's newest #UFCHOF Inductee!
[ Presented by @ToyoTires ] pic.twitter.com/DSIGNQqpXu
Pulver, 48, was a pioneer for the lighter weight classes in MMA. He competed in the UFC seven times between 1999 and 2002 but continued under the Zuffa banner with the WEC later in his career. He also competed in PRIDE FC and ONE Championship.
Pulver beat Caol Uno in 2001 to become the inaugural UFC lightweight champion. He defended the title twice, including against BJ Penn in 2002. Over his career, Pulver also fought the likes of Urijah Faber, Cub Swanson, and Leonard Garcia.
Pulver's fight with Faber also helped lift the WEC when it needed a boost. Not just a UFC legend, but his star power and credibility helped the sport embrace the lower weight class fighting. Very important figure in the history of MMA.
— Luke Thomas (@lthomasnews) February 12, 2023
Pulver campaigned for a spot in the UFC Hall of Fame for years. He retired from professional MMA in 2014 with a 27-19-1 career record.
He now works for the UFC as a live streamer. He found out about his induction while live on the promotion's YouTube channel during the UFC 284 event and was overcome with emotion.
The moment Jens Pulver found out he’s finally a UFC HOFer. pic.twitter.com/LjtOA55E6L
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) February 12, 2023