WEC: Faber Vs. Pulver Is One Heavy Fight For The Featherweights

Posted by Ryan

Urijah FaberOne of the most anticipated fights in mixed martial arts takes place June 1 at 9pm ET/6pm PT, as “The California Kid” Urijah Faber defends his World Extreme Cagefighting featherweight championship against veteran fighter Jens “Lil Evil” Pulver. WEC: Faber vs. Pulver airs live on Versus and Versus HD from the ARCO Arena in Faber’s hometown of Sacramento, Calif.

Since capturing the featherweight title in March 2006, Faber has maintained a chokehold on the division. But he’ll face his most formidable challenger yet in MMA pioneer Pulver, a former UFC lightweight champion.

“This is definitely the biggest fight of my career,” Faber told me in a recent interview. “I’ve had a pretty long run defending the belt, and Jens Pulver is a more than worthy opponent and has a long history in the sport. I’m excited.”

Pulver has reinvigorated his career with a return to the featherweight division, where he is undefeated in eight fights. Pulver has his eyes on Faber’s title, and having the rare honor of winning major titles in two different weight classes.

“I’ve seen a lot of Jens’ fights. He’s there to brawl,” Faber says of how he expects his opponent to come at him. “He doesn’t mind getting punched, and he likes to shell out his fair share. I expect the same out of him. I don’t think he’s going to be too overly cautious. I think he’s going to come out swinging and try to land that big left hand. I know he’s been working on his ground throughout his career, and I think he’s more open to being able to use it here. I just expect an aggressive Jens Pulver who’s kind of revived in the sport, and he’s looking to make his mark again.”

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Member of the Television Critics Association. Charter member of the Ancient and Mystic Society of No Homers. Squire of the Ancient & Benevolent Order of the Lynx, Lodge 49, Long Beach, Calif. Costco Wholesale Gold Star Member since 2011.