Jens Pulver will be inducted into the pioneer wing of the UFC Hall of Fame later this year, the promotion announced Saturday.
Pulver, 48, became the UFC’s first lightweight champion in February 2001, when he defeated Caol Uno at UFC 30 in Atlantic City. Nicknamed “Lil Evil,” he went on to defend the title twice, against Dennis Hallman and BJ Penn, in what was the peak of his career. He parted ways with the UFC in 2002 but later returned for two fights in 2006.
Born in Sunnyside, Washington, Pulver was a member of the renowned Miletich Fighting Systems in Bettendorf, Iowa, which produced the likes of Pat Miletich, Matt Hughes, Tim Sylvia and Robbie Lawler in the late 90’s and early 2000’s.
He is probably best known for his rivalry with Penn, which culminated in them coaching The Ultimate Fighter reality series against each other in 2007.
Pulver retired from MMA in 2013 with a 27-19-1 record. He competed for nearly every major MMA promotion during his career, including the UFC, Pride Fighting Championships, WEC and One FC. He will become the 18th member of the UFC’s pioneer wing, alongside two of his former teammates in Miletich and Hughes.