Jens Pulver is one of the most prolific fighters at 155lbs in the history of the UFC and was the organization’s first lightweight champion nearly six years ago. In February, 2001, with a 3-0-1 record under his belt in the UFC, Pulver won a title shot against top- ranked Japanese Fighter Caol Uno for the vacant Lightweight crown. Jens won the title by unanimous decision and would defend his title two more times against Dennis Hallman and his eventual The Ultimate Fighter 5 opposing coach and nemesis, B.J. Penn.

Before leaving the organization due to contractual problems, Jens would become famous for his combination of defensive wrestling and boxing strategy known as “sprawl and brawl.” Pulver returned to the UFC this year after competing as a professional boxer and in various other MMA organizations. His return to the Octagon was a bitter disappointment at UFC 64 where he suffered a shocking first round loss to up-and-coming Joe Lauzon 

Pulver grew up in suburban Seattle and was two-time state wrestling champion at Tahoma High School in Maple Valley, Washington. He went on to wrestle for Boise State, before a wrist injury eventually ended his amateur wrestling career. However, it was at Boise State where he began training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu which would lead to a remarkably successful MMA career. Pulver would eventually graduate from Boise State with a degree in criminal justice. He currently lives in Davenport, Iowa.