Should Jens Pulver Hang Up the Gloves?

There is a fighter who will go down as legendary when history finishes writing his story, and the final chapter may be nearing completion. I'm not referring to Paulo Filho or Urijah Faber, even though they both entered their respective fights as champions and left with a loss. They will have better nights. On the other hand, I'm not sure Jens Pulver has much to look forward to in his MMA career.

Last night, Pulver lost to Leonard Garcia via TKO in the first round of their contest to determine the No. 1 WEC featherweight contender. 

Pulver became the first-ever UFC lightweight champion by defeating Caol Uno at UFC 30 in February, 2001. The following year, he left the UFC over a contract dispute and competed around the globe for a multitude of promotions.

He returned to the UFC in September, 2006 with a respectable 21-6-1 record. Before his first fight back, he was already scheduled to coach a season on the reality show The Ultimate Fighter. The UFC matched him up with relatively unknown lightweight Joe Lauzon to introduce him to newer fans and set up a bigger match with BJ Penn following the reality show. 

The plan backfired. Pulver was TKO’d in the first round. The UFC, however, went through with Pulver and Penn coaching the reality show, and competing in a rematch following the show. Again, Pulver was dominated. This time, Penn beat him at his own game. He continuously punished Pulver in the striking game and finished him with a choke.

Following the loss to Penn, Pulver moved down to featherweight to compete in the WEC in hope of returning to glory at his more natural fighting weight. A quick submission victory over Cub Swanson showed apparent promise that Pulver was ready to fight for the belt.

Pulver’s title fight against Urijah Faber may very well win “Fight of the Year” honors. It was a five-round war dominated by Faber, but displayed Pulver’s heart and earned the respect of fight fans.

The matchup against Leonard Garcia last night can be viewed as nothing less than a test by Joe Silva to find out if Pulver is still able to get past a fighter many would consider a gatekeeper. It was a match designed for Pulver to win.

Garcia loves to slug it out. His fight against Roger Huerta was a candidate for “Fight of the Year” in 2007. Even though Garcia was dominated, he hung tough enough to absorb the punishment and take the fight to a decision. WEC officials had to hoping for a similar outcome.

The plan was ruined again. Pulver was unable to absorb the stiff combinations put together by Garcia. He lost via TKO in the first round. Again. The speed and footwork from Pulver was absent. There was no head movement. There was no life.

Pulver has had a career most fighters could only dream about. He has worn UFC gold. He has competed around the world for promotions such as the UFC, Pride FC, Hook 'n' Shoot, Shooto, and the IFL. But losing four out of his last five fights should cause him to reconsider his future. 

He will be turning 34 years old next month. Strikers tend to lose their effectiveness earlier than grapplers. They depend on lightning-quick reflexes in their hands and feet. When those reflexes slow in the slightest, their ability to compete at the highest level is compromised. Ask Chuck Liddell.

Pulver, for the good of your health and reputation, consider retirement before you are forced into it. I want to remember you for the legendary fights you have competed in across the world. I don’t want to remember you as losing to guys who were given to you on a silver platter.