Jens Pulver to Be Enshrined in UFC Hall of Fame ‘Pioneers’ Wing

Jens Pulver is the latest addition to the 2023 UFC Hall of Fame class.

The promotion announced on Saturday that the former lightweight champion will be inducted into the “Pioneers” Wing as part of a ceremony held during International Fight Week in July. The “Pioneers” Wing recognizes athletes who turned professional before Nov. 17, 2000, are at least 35 years old and have been retired for a minimum of one year.

“Jens Pulver is a pioneer of the sport who was not only the first lightweight champion in UFC history, but someone who delivered some of the sport's most memorable moments,” said UFC President Dana White. “No one will ever forget his knockout of John Lewis or his win over B.J. Penn in their first fight, and his fight against Urijah Faber in 2008 was the biggest fight in WEC history at the time. Jens could do it all in the Octagon, and it will be an honor to induct him into the UFC Hall of Fame this summer.”

Pulver compiled a 27-19-1 mark over the course of a professional career that began in 1999 and ended in 2013. His ledger includes notable triumphs against the likes of Penn, Cub Swanson, Caol Uno, Joe Stevenson and Cole Escovedo, among others. “Little Evil” become the promotion’s first 155-pound champion when he defeated Uno via unanimous decision at UFC 30. He defended the title with victories over Dennis Hallman and Penn before vacating the belt. He also had stints in World Extreme Cagefighting and Pride Fighting Championships during his MMA tenure.

Today, the longtime Miletich Fighting Systems standout remains involved with the promotion as the full-time host of the UFC’s Twitch channel. He currently lives in Iowa with his wife and two kids.