chief108
5th November 2009, 08:54
SOURCE LINK (http://www.mmaspot.net/index.php/redblack/comments/39091103_jens_pulver_not_ready_to_walk_away_gettin g_ready_for_2010/)
Jens "Lil Evil" Pulver is back in training and getting ready for 2010 with his eyes on a comeback, according to recent reports. Pulver (20-12-1) has been relatively incognito for the past several months. After being submitted by Josh Crispi in June, he has not fought or been scheduled to fight. Speaking to AOL Fanhouse, Pulver revealed that anxiety issues plagued his career for the past several years and he recently began taking medication for it, opening his mind and enabling him to move past some of the issues.
In the report, Pulver described his new found focus, "I love feeling normal again. I've got my balance back. Before, my aggression level was wasted by the depression and anxiety. It became hard to do five minutes when before I could do 25 in my sleep. Now, physically, I feel great. I have an anchor lifted off my head and chest."
Continuing his effort to get back on track, Jens indicated that he left behind his familiar surroundings of Iowa and relocated to Nampa, Idaho where he is opening a gym called the "Driven Training Facility," complimenting his existing clothing company, also carrying the "Driven" moniker.
Pulver is best known as the UFC's first ever lightweight champion, and the only man to ever defeat BJ Penn at 155 pounds. However, after defeating the future Hall of Fame fighter, Pulver left the UFC and would not return for five years.
Jens globetrotted in the years he was away from the UFC. Fighting in notable organizations such as PrideFC, Shooto, and the IFL, Pulver received the call back to the UFC, coincidentally for "UFC 63: Hughes vs. Penn." Shockingly, young prospect Joe Lauzon made quick work of Pulver by knockout in less than one round.
Pulver was then asked to coach opposite nemesis BJ Penn on season 5 of "The Ultimate Fighter," with a cast comprised of all lightweights. "Lil Evil" proved to be quite the coach as both finalists from the show were from his team.
After losing the coaches battle following the show to Penn, Pulver dropped to the WEC's featherweight division and immediately made an impact. He defeated Cub Swanson in the first round by submission at WEC 31 in December 2007. The exuberance was shortlived as his next four fights all had Pulver on the wrong side of defeat, leaving many fans wondering what was next for the former champion.
Now in the gym and training, Pulver will fight at least one more time in the coming year. No opponent or time frame has been given at this point, but fans would like to see Pulver end his illustrious career on a high note. Losing six of seven at the end is not fitting for a fighter with the heart of Pulver.
Jens "Lil Evil" Pulver is back in training and getting ready for 2010 with his eyes on a comeback, according to recent reports. Pulver (20-12-1) has been relatively incognito for the past several months. After being submitted by Josh Crispi in June, he has not fought or been scheduled to fight. Speaking to AOL Fanhouse, Pulver revealed that anxiety issues plagued his career for the past several years and he recently began taking medication for it, opening his mind and enabling him to move past some of the issues.
In the report, Pulver described his new found focus, "I love feeling normal again. I've got my balance back. Before, my aggression level was wasted by the depression and anxiety. It became hard to do five minutes when before I could do 25 in my sleep. Now, physically, I feel great. I have an anchor lifted off my head and chest."
Continuing his effort to get back on track, Jens indicated that he left behind his familiar surroundings of Iowa and relocated to Nampa, Idaho where he is opening a gym called the "Driven Training Facility," complimenting his existing clothing company, also carrying the "Driven" moniker.
Pulver is best known as the UFC's first ever lightweight champion, and the only man to ever defeat BJ Penn at 155 pounds. However, after defeating the future Hall of Fame fighter, Pulver left the UFC and would not return for five years.
Jens globetrotted in the years he was away from the UFC. Fighting in notable organizations such as PrideFC, Shooto, and the IFL, Pulver received the call back to the UFC, coincidentally for "UFC 63: Hughes vs. Penn." Shockingly, young prospect Joe Lauzon made quick work of Pulver by knockout in less than one round.
Pulver was then asked to coach opposite nemesis BJ Penn on season 5 of "The Ultimate Fighter," with a cast comprised of all lightweights. "Lil Evil" proved to be quite the coach as both finalists from the show were from his team.
After losing the coaches battle following the show to Penn, Pulver dropped to the WEC's featherweight division and immediately made an impact. He defeated Cub Swanson in the first round by submission at WEC 31 in December 2007. The exuberance was shortlived as his next four fights all had Pulver on the wrong side of defeat, leaving many fans wondering what was next for the former champion.
Now in the gym and training, Pulver will fight at least one more time in the coming year. No opponent or time frame has been given at this point, but fans would like to see Pulver end his illustrious career on a high note. Losing six of seven at the end is not fitting for a fighter with the heart of Pulver.