Who is Jens Pulver? Find out all there is to know about UFC's latest Hall of Fame entrant

The UFC's latest Hall of Fame entrant is first-ever lightweight champion Jens Pulver. The legendary American fighter was a part of the promotion in its earliest days or the Zuffa era and is one of the most influential performers in mixed martial arts history.

Check out UFC's announcement post on Instagram:

Pulver debuted for the UFC at UFC 22 in September 1999. It took 'Little Evil' just four fights to earn a title shot against Caol Uno, the first lightweight championship bout in the promotion's history. Pulver won the exchange after five rounds via unanimous decision to be crowned the inaugural lightweight champion. It was the first in a long line of iconic champions in one of the most popular and competitive weight classes in the promotion.

The Washington-born then defended his belt against Dennis Hallman and rising superstar B.J. Penn in two successive fights. However, the lightweight champion then vacated his belt due to a contract dispute with the promotion and did not return until four years later.

Pulver's return to the UFC saw him fight twice and lose both times. The first loss came against Joe Lauzon via knockout in 2006. The second loss came next year against familiar foe B.J. Penn in a rematch after both fighters coached opposing teams in the fifth installment of The Ultimate Fighter.

The rematch finale went Penn's way through a rear-naked choke submission that brought the curtains down on Pulver's time at the UFC.

In nine outings inside the octagon, Pulver has won six fights, drawn once, and lost his last two bouts.

Check out B.J. Penn's TUF 5 finale win over Jens Pulver on YouTube below:

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Dana White reacts to Jens Pulver's UFC Hall of Fame induction

Jens Pulver's induction into the UFC Hall of Fame will be as a Pioneer amongst the 2023 class.

The 2023 UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place during the 11th annual UFC International Fight Week in Las Vegas later this year and can be watched live on UFC Fight Pass.

UFC president Dana White released a statement on the UFC website regarding Pulver's induction. He said:

“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.

"No one will ever forget his knockout of John Lewis or his win over BJ 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.”

Jens Pulver is the full-time host of the UFC's official Twitch channel and had an emotional reaction on the stream to the news of his induction.

Check out Pulver's reaction below: