WEC 34: Faber vs. Pulver

WEC 34 should have been dubbed “Overmatched”. Don’t get it wrong, Urijah Faber and Jens Pulver put on quite a show, but I don’t think “The California Kid” was ever really in any trouble. Pulver did tag Faber a couple of times with his patented left, but never posed any threat to the much faster and athletic WEC featherweight champ.

Though Pulver did weather the storm known as Urijah Faber, he just looked a step slow reacting and countering. Jens did neutralize Urijah’s takedown attempts with some pretty impressive sprawls throughout the fight, but couldn’t gain a dominant position while on the ground. The stand up battle was all Faber. Pulver couldn’t seem to react fast enough to Urijah’s straight right, tagging “Lil Evil” whenever he wanted.

Urijah Faber is a freak. His athleticism was way too much for Pulver and has been way too much for everyone he’s faced. His pace and rattle snake quick strikes were the difference in this fight like they’ve been in all of Faber’s fights. Genetics are what beat Jens Pulver Sunday night.

I’m a Jens Pulver fan. I think he’s been overlooked his entire career in MMA. His story is a very inspiring one. He’s persevered where I think others would have crumbled. “Lil Evil” has come out of a tough and abusive childhood to become a proven contender in both the 145 lb and 155 lb weight classes in Pride, the UFC and now WEC. Jens is a former champ and I feel has secured his legacy in this sport. I don’t think he’s done, but where does he go from here?

I think Jens is an in between fighter. His natural weight seems to fall right between the featherweight and lightweight weight limit. Jeff Curran would be an interesting match up and potentially entertaining fight. Curran would probably like to take Pulver to the mat, but I think Jens has enough takedown defense to keep it standing and possibly knock Curran out. The WEC would be smart to convince Pulver to move back up to 155 lbs and take another shot at a champion. I feel Jens would be a good match up for Jaime Varner, current WEC lightweight champ.

Lil Evil lost, but is far from done. He’s proven he still has the heart and desire to train and win. Look for Pulver to be back very soon.

Quick note: Miguel Torres and Yoshiro Maeda stole the weekend in my opinion. Maeda gave Torres fits early on, but Miguel took over late in the fight with his frenetic pace and stiff jab. I think Miguel Torres needs to be considered one of the top 10 pound for pound fighters in the world.

SPACEMAN OUT!!!

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